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Webster Lab
INSTRUCTOR:Jo Anne Shatkin, Ph.D., Principal, The Cadmus Group, Inc.
DATES: July 25-27, 2007 [3 Day Course]
LOCATION: Seattle, WA
This course will provide participants with an overview of the emerging concerns regarding nanomaterials and nanocomposites. The course will focus on approaches for managing the occupational health and safety concerns as well as the environmental risks associated with work with nanomaterials. Through lectures and interactive sessions, participants will obtain a knowledge base for understanding the exposure, human health, and safety issues for nanomaterials and the potential impacts for workers, consumers, stakeholders, and the environment. Topics for the course include nanotoxicology, risk assessment, environmental health and safety, and ethical, social and legal considerations for nanomaterials.
TUITION: US$1900.00
REGISTRATION: Closes June 23, 2007 or when full.
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COURSE DETAILS:
At the conclusion of this course, the participants will understand (1) Key concerns regarding nanotechnology risks for employees, the public, and the environment; (2) Characteristics and properties of nanomaterials and nanocomposites; (3) Nanotoxicology: state-of-the-science regarding the toxicity of nanoscale materials; (4) Best practices for handling and management of nanomaterials and other occupational health and safety considerations; (5) Risk assessment and risk management issues for nanomaterials; and (6) Societal, ethical and legal issues for scientists and engineers.
MODULES
1. Introduction to key issues regarding nanotechnology risks for employees, the public, and the environment
This module introduces the topic of nanotechnology, and provides participants with an overview of the occupational and environmental issues associated with exposures to nanomaterials, nanoparticles, and nanocomposites. Through lectures and interactive sessions, participants will develop a knowledge base regarding the exposure, health and safety issues for nanomaterials. Issues specific to working safely with nanomaterials, considering specific types of materials and composites, will also be addressed. Specific topics include governmental initiatives, non-governmental and industry initiatives, as well as international developments that are informed by the latest research. An introduction to broader concerns about uses of nanomaterials will offer perspectives on the potential impacts to human health and the environment.
2. Characterization of nanomaterials
In this module, participants will learn basic terminology for nanoscale materials and the characteristics important for evaluating the toxicology and environmental behavior of different types of nanomaterials and composites. Topics addressed include available test methods, standards, applicability, current research needs, and recommendations for future research.
3. Nanotoxicology: State-of-the-science regarding the toxicity of nanomaterials
This module will provide participants with up-to-date information on the emerging field of nanotoxicology. Topics include an introduction to basic toxicology concepts and a review of current scientific research regarding the mechanisms of toxicity for nanomaterials and findings from in vitro and animal studies to understand the potential adverse effects of exposures to nanomaterials through inhalation, dermal, and ingestion exposure pathways. Potential impacts of nanomaterials on the environment will also be discussed.
4. Best practices for handling and management of nanomaterials
This module provides participants with an overview of the health and safety issues for management and handling of different types of nanomaterials. Topics include current perspectives and activities of governmental agencies, including FDA, EPA, OSHA and NIOSH, regarding nanomaterials and state-of-the-science for best practices for nanomaterials handling. Participants will learn about the state-of-the-science for working safely with nanomaterials in both laboratory and manufacturing environments. Students will also evaluate and discuss a case study concerning potential exposures to nanomaterials using an aircraft-based scenario.
5. Risk assessment, communication, and management for nanomaterials
This module focuses on the key steps of an environmental risk assessment for nanomaterials and specifically addresses the potential risks associated with exposure to nanomaterials. Lectures and case studies will provide participants with an overview of the science and practice of risk assessment for environmental problems, and will present an adaptive risk management approach for nanomaterials. Participants will gain knowledge of the current approaches for evaluating the toxicity and managing the potential risks of nanomaterials. Course material will address communicating about risks and risk management concerns. Examples will focus on occupational and community exposures and related risk issues.
6. Societal, ethical, and legal issues for nanomaterials scientists
This module addresses the broader concerns associated with use of nanoscale materials and composites. These concerns may include existing and proposed legal requirements for nanomaterials, the impacts associated with emerging technologies, public perceptions and concerns about nanomaterials, and community and public relations. Participants will gain perspectives on how their work can affect society at large, and identify considerations for incorporating new materials and technologies. Discussions will focus on many of the complex issues currently under discussion among nanotechnology researchers.
Audience: R&D, EHS, and management staff
Course Prerequisites: None