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Nanotechnologie als arbeitsmedizinische und umweltmedizinische Herausforderung

Nanotechnology is a futuristic interdisciplinary technology with considerable economical perspectives. It deals with methods for changing the properties of materials by changing the sizes of structures in the nanometer range. As the general public become more aware of the potential of nanotechnology, the question is raised, as with all new technologies, as to the ecological persistence of nanotechnological products. Here occupational and environmental medicine come into play.
In the present paper nanotechnology is introduced briefly and the possible release of nanostructured materials into the environment is discussed. The most important exposure pathway to released nanoparticles is considered to be via inhalation of contaminated air. For evaluation of exposure to nanoparticles, the concentration of particles expressed as particle number but also as particle surface area is important. Newly developed assay measurement techniques are introduced briefly. Finally consequences for health and safety at work and in the environment and initial measures proposed for occupational and environmental medicine are discussed.