NIOSH Continues to Enroll Companies in NTRC Carbon Nanotube Registry

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) posted a NIOSH Science Blog item on May 2, 2024, entitled “The Nanotechnology Research Center Carbon Nanotube Registry.” The NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) maintains a Carbon Nanotube Registry, a roster of U.S. workers employed in various carbon nanotube industries. The item states that NIOSH developed the registry to help researchers better understand the average level and range of exposures in U.S. workplaces and to provide a group of workers who NIOSH can follow into the future to help identify chronic diseases that may result from these exposures. NIOSH is currently recruiting companies that produce or handle carbon nanotubes to participate in the registry. According to the item, “NIOSH needs to collect records for both current and former employees to ensure that anyone who left work because of illness is included.” NIOSH is also interested in employees who have never been exposed to carbon nanotubes, for comparison purposes. Companies that participate will receive a free workplace assessment, during which NIOSH researchers will identify and learn about potential exposures. Companies will also receive a detailed report that describes if and to what extent exposures are occurring at their workplace. The report will include recommendations to reduce exposures if they exist. NIOSH notes that it follows strict guidelines for protecting electronic records of individuals, such as encryption of data and limiting data access to a small number of researchers. Companies that are interested in participating, have questions, or would like more information can contact NIOSH at nano@cdc.gov.