CPWR has identified nearly 950 construction products that claim to contain engineered nanomaterials.
CPWR study of nano-enabled concrete and mortar conducted at the International Masonry Institute
Nanomaterials are extremely small particles, about 1/100,000 the width of a human hair, that are being added to a wide range of building materials to improve their properties. Because some nanomaterials may pose health risks, CPWR continues to conduct research to better understand nanomaterial exposures and to develop materials to inform workers of how nanomaterials are being used, associated risks, and safe work practices.
CPWR Resources
Websites
elCOSH Nanomaterial Inventory – This site provides an inventory of the use of nano-enabled products — those to which nanomaterials have been added or the nano-structure has been altered — in construction. Its goal is to inform workers about these products as a first step to protecting them from hazards. Please visit the Interactive Nanomaterials Data Dashboard to see related charts and graphics.
Nano SDS Improvement Tool – This tool is designed to help manufacturers, distributors, and importers of construction products containing nanomaterials evaluate and improve their safety data sheets (SDS).
Toolbox Talks
Each Toolbox Talk describes a specific hazard, provides a job site example and questions, and offers guidance for working safely. All Toolbox Talks are free and available in English and Spanish.
General Topics:
- Controlling Exposures to Ultrafine Particles – English, Spanish
- Identifying Nano-Enabled Construction Materials – English, Spanish
- Introduction: Nano-Enabled Construction Materials – English, Spanish
- Right to Know About Chemical Hazards: Nanomaterials – English, Spanish
Task and Material-Specific Topics:
- Aerogel Nanoporous Insulation Products – English, Spanish
- Airborne Exposures When Working with Nano-Enabled Concrete – English, Spanish
- Nano-Enabled Cement – Materials with Titanium Dioxide – English, Spanish
- Nano-Enabled Wood Coatings and Stains – English, Spanish
- Spray Painting and Sanding Nano-Enabled Paint – English, Spanish
- Spray Painting and Cutting Concrete Block Coated with Nano-Enabled Silver Paint – English, Spanish
- Tuckpointing: Nano-Enabled Mortar – English, Spanish
Hazard Alert Cards
Hazard Alert Cards describe common hazards and steps to reduce illnesses and injuries from them. Each is available as a printed, pocket-sized card and as a downloadable pdf.
Training Materials
CPWR has developed training materials to increase awareness of nanomaterials: how they are used in construction, the risks they pose, and how to prevent worker exposures. This curriculum can be modified to meet the needs of a particular group, as it already has for insulators, painters, bricklayers, operating engineers, and a mixed-craft audience. The class uses a train-the-trainer approach and allows instructors to deliver the material as a standalone 2-hour course or to integrate material into courses they teach. The training materials are available by request at no cost in either English or Spanish. For more information, please contact the director of the program, Gavin West, at [email protected].
Other Resources — Infographic, Fact Sheet
- Infographic: What are Nanomaterials? – English, Spanish
- Fact Sheet: Nanomaterials in Paints and Coatings
Publications
- Characterizing applications, exposure risks, and hazard communication for engineered nanomaterials in construction – Paper in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine (June 2024)
- A Task-Based Approach to Nanomaterials Exposure Assessment in the Construction Trades – Abstract from the Inhaled Particles and NanOEH conference (May 2023)
- Hazard Communication for Nanomaterials in Construction – Book chapter in “Essential Trends and Emerging Issues in OEHS” by Abby Roberts, American Industrial Hygiene Association (May 2023)
- Occupational exposure risk while spraying biocidal paint containing silver nanoparticles – Key Findings for a paper in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (May 2021)
- Exposure to airborne nano-titanium dioxide during airless spray painting and sanding – Key Findings for a paper in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (February 2019)
- Inhalation Exposure during Spray Application and Subsequent Sanding of a Wood Sealant Containing Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles – Key Findings for a paper in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (June 2017)
- Toward responsible development and effective risk management of nano-enabled products in the U.S. construction industry – Key Findings for a paper in the Journal of Nanoparticle Research (February 2016)
Webinars
- The Role of Technology in the Future of Work – NIOSH (May 2024)
- Nanomaterials in Construction: CPWR Research and Resources – CPWR (November 2023)
- What We Know about NanoEHS: Human Health – CPWR (June 2021)
- Update on Nanomaterials in Construction: Epidemiology, Exposures, and Awareness – CPWR (December 2018)
Construction Solutions
Managed by CPWR, Construction Solutions is an online database of information on hazards, and practical control measures that can be used to reduce or eliminate those hazards. For each hazard, the database offers one or more effective solutions, from alternative work techniques to commercially available tools.
- Brick, Stone and Paver Splitters
- Dozers with Cab Filtration System
- Hand-held Grinders with Wet Dust Suppression
- Hand-held Masonry Saws with Vacuum Dust Control
- Hand-held Masonry Saws with Wet Dust Suppression
- Walk-Behind Masonry Saw with Vacuum Dust Control
- Walk-Behind Masonry Saws with Wet Dust Suppression
- Work Box Cutter Drill Attachment with Vacuum Dust Controls
NIOSH resources
The NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), established in 2004, conducts research and provides guidance on the occupational safety and health implications and applications of advanced materials and nanotechnology. NIOSH has identified 10 critical topic areas for nanotechnology research and communication including toxicity, exposure assessment, engineering controls and PPE.
Controlling Health Hazards When Working with Nanomaterials: Questions to Ask Before You Start
NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation of Aerogel Insulation Particulate at a Union Training Facility
Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers – Current Intelligence Bulletin
Occupational Exposure to Silver Nanomaterials – Current Intelligence Bulletin
Occupational Exposure to Titanium Dioxide – Current Intelligence Bulletin
Technical Report on Occupational Exposure Sampling for Engineered Nanomaterials
OSHA resources
Fact Sheet – Working Safely with Nanomaterials