Research: Health Impacts from Engineered Nanomaterial Exposure

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been shown in numerous studies to cause toxic effects that do not occur with exposure to chemically identical, larger particles.1 However there is a lack of evidence on the long-term impact to workers in the industry. Therefore, we would like to establish if there is a link between exposure to ENMs and worker health. To do this IOM are looking to submit an application to UK Research and Innovation’s Medical Research Council (MRC) to fund a long-term study with the aim of investigating this further. To help receive the funding required to conduct this research, IOM are looking for letters of support from industry participants to show the study is capable of achieving the desired impact.

The study proposal focuses on a large industry-wide study, with an initial feasibility assessment to test data collection protocols and to refine the methodology to be used. It is foreseen that during the main study, participating companies will be visited annually for up to 5 years (1-2 days visit per year). The visit will involve collecting ambient air (exposure) samples at fixed locations and personal samples (a small pump and device will be placed on workers handling ENMs). Workers would also be asked to participate in the biomarker assessment by providing a sample of a biological fluid (e.g. saliva, urine, breath, blood) and providing relevant health data.

The data collected in the study will be used to establish links between ENM exposure and longer-term health effects. Companies and workers will not be identified or disclosed to other participating companies. All information collected will be retained by IOM and not disclosed to any third party. The study will secure full ethical approval and adhere to all data protection legislation.

Interested in learning more and how you can support our proposal?

Please contact the following researchers for more information:

Polly McLean, Senior Scientist, [email protected]

Prof Damien McElvenny, Principal Epidemiologist, [email protected]

We also provide an example letter of support that can be adapted as necessary : Letter of Support Template