A two-day workshop hosted by United States and European Union officials resulted in both governments calling for a need to coordinate their nanotechnology research strategies to answer key questions about engineered nanoparticles. These questions include: whether or not workers are exposed to engineered nanoparticles; whether such particles are released into the environment; whether they are harmful if released; and, how to measure concentrations of engineered nanoparticles in different matrixes, such as air, soil, water, or sediment. The lack of adequate information and research to address the concerns of regulators, companies, and industrial hygienists regarding current and future workplace exposures, was discussed by conference participants. According to Markus Berges, head of the exposure assessment unit of the German Social Accident Insurance Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, a “burning issue” is “Will regulators be outpaced? What do we do with something like carbon nanotubes, nanowires, and nanorods?” Tools to measure engineered nanoparticles, and techniques to estimate worker exposures, are still being developed, and regulations to protect workers have not yet been established. Bruce Stockmeier, an industrial hygienist who oversees worker safety at the Argonne National Laboratory’s Center for Nanoscale Materials, said another key question is how to keep worksites safe “without using workers as test animals.” Sally Tinkle, deputy director of the U.S. National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, wrapped up the workshop by calling for “maximum collaboration on a minimal budget.” George Katalagarianakis, a scientific officer with the European Commission’s Research and Innovation Directorate, said the U.S. and E.U. agencies must not repeat past recommendations, but need to jointly seek solutions. The article can be viewed online at the link below.