title: Nanotechnology: are occupational health nurses ready?
abstract: Nanotechnology is a rapidly advancing area of science, and development increasingly will be seen in an array of manufacturing sectors, including sporting goods, cosmetics, clothing, transistors, and biomedical products. Nanoparticles are so small that they interact with other substances at the atomic or subatomic level. They do not behave like solids, liquids, or gases, and have unique mechanical and electronic properties. A serious lack of information about the human health and environmental implications of nanomaterials exists, but scientific experts agree that the potential effects of nanomaterials on working populations and the environment is a serious consideration. Occupational health nurses should be aware of the potential use of nanotechnology in their workplaces and stay aware of emerging information on methods to protect worker health.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
authors.forename: Linda A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: McCauley
authors.forename: Ronald D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: McCauley
mesh_terms: D005544:Forecasting; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000639:trends; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000145:classification; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016272:Occupational Health; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012449:Safety; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration