title: A small business approach to nanomaterial environment, health, and safety.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Integral to the commercialization process for nanotechnology enabled products is the methodology for protecting workers potentially exposed to nanomaterials during product development. Occupational health surveillance is a key aspect of protecting employees and involves both hazard identification and surveillance of known medical data. However, when the health effects and exposure pathways of both new and existing "nano-scale" chemical substances are not yet well understood, conservative hazard controls and baseline data collection can facilitate both immediate and long-term worker protection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Luna Innovations uses a conservative approach based on risk assessment and the OSHA General Duty Clause.
  
  
  RESULTS
  To date, Luna's approach has been effective for our business model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Understanding and managing potential hazards to our nanotechnology workers is key to the success and acceptance of nanotechnology enabled products.
authors.affiliation: Luna Innovations Incorporated, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Charles B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Gause
authors.forename: Rachel M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Layman
authors.forename: Aaron C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Small
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D058012:Small Business