IOM granted further term as a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre

The IOM has been a WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health since 1995. Collaborating Centres are typically institutions of high scientific and technical standing whose work is in alignment with WHO’s Global Plan of Action. The IOM’s designation as a Collaborating Centre was recently renewed for a further four year term, on the strength of four projects in particular, two of which relate to the counting of asbestos fibres, and the other two of which are concerned with risks to health from engineered nanoparticles.

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Funding for Safenano information service extended

The IOM is delighted to have received confirmation from the Technology Strategy Board of a further 12 months’ funding for the Safenano information service. Safenano was established in 2007, and is a web-based service hosted by the IOM. It provides regular updates to subscribers on many aspects of the risks associated with nanomaterials, including standards and regulation, government policy, toxicology, technological developments, societal issues and ethics.

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IOM study of bioaerosol exposure published by Defra

Defra recently commissioned the IOM to undertake a review of current knowledge on bioaerosol emissions from waste treatment processes, and the potential health effects arising from exposure to bioaerosol components. The study considered health effects amongst workers in the waste industry, and amongst people living in close proximity to waste treatment facilities. The report of this study has now been published on the Defra website.

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New publication on the characterisation of nanomaterials in environmental studies

The IOM’s Steve Hankin co-authored a recent paper on the classification and physico-chemical characterisation of nanomaterials and the identification of reference materials, for use in environmental and ecotoxicological studies. This work is part of an EC Framework Programme 7 (FP7) project undertaken by the IOM and a number of collaborators. The paper has been published online in Science of the Total Environment.

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HSE Research Report on the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment

The IOM was commissioned by the HSE to carry out a review of factors affecting the use or non-use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in the workplace. The study identified issues such as hazard awareness, risk perception, comfort and compatibility, but also served to underline the crucial role that managers play in the effective implementation of RPE programmes.

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IOM Research

The IOM currently has in the region of 30 active research projects. These are being conducted on behalf of a variety of industrial and government sponsors, and are generally concerned with risks to health through exposure to hazardous agents or working conditions. The current project portfolio includes studies of carcinogens, outdoor air pollutants, carbon nanotubes, metals and the occupational health risks faced by fire-fighters.

The IOM’s Research Division is in a period of expansion, and is keen to identify experienced and enthusiastic scientists who are interested in joining the team and contributing to the IOM’s research programme.

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