title: Development of a French epidemiological surveillance system of workers producing or handling engineered nanomaterials in the workplace.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Concern has been raised about the potential impact of nanomaterials exposure on human health, and France has decided to implement a timely epidemiological surveillance tool of workers likely to be exposed to engineered nanomaterials that could accompany the development of nanotechnologies.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive review of the toxicological and epidemiological literature has been conducted together with an exploratory study among French companies producing or handling nanoobjects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A double surveillance system is proposed consisting of a prospective cohort survey and repeated cross-sectional studies. The aim of the cohort is (1) to monitor long-term health effects and (2) to allow of further research. Setting-up an exposure registry is the first planned step.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The protocol is about to be submitted to the French Government for approval and funding.
authors.affiliation: French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, St Maurice, France. odile.boutou@ars.sante.fr
authors.forename: Odile
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Boutou-Kempf
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Marchand
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Radauceanu
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Witschger
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Imbernon
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D036103:Nanotechnology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D053260:Soot / Q000009:adverse effects; D014025:Titanium / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D053260:Soot; C009495:titanium dioxide; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D014025:Titanium