Introduction to Nanomaterial Safety
Nanomaterials have a range of novel properties enabling many new useful applications in medicine, environmental clean-up, energy production and material technology to name a few. The special properties of nanomaterials however, can also be a challenge, because these materials might have different implications for human health or the environment compared to traditional chemicals.
This e-Learning course provides interested stakeholders with an introduction to the “sound management of manufactured nanomaterials”. The course has been developed by UNITAR based on work under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and international organizations, such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Participants will learn about global, national and sector-specific issues and begin to develop basic skills for recognizing safety concerns and learning about risk management approaches to manufactured nanomaterials.
After completing the course, participants will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge on properties, uses, and safety issues of nano-containing products
- Classify hazard, exposure and risk assessment, and options
- Identify opportunities and challenges to regulate nanomaterials
- Discuss international and national regulatory approaches
- Analyze applications of nanomaterials to improve global environmental, public health, and safety issues
The course is internet-based, and places emphasis on online discussions and self-paced learning to accommodate professionals in full-time work.
Moderated by course facilitator(s) who are experts in the field, the total number of learning hours is 40 hours over an 8 week period.
Specific course features include:
- Self-paced learning
- Case studies, practical exercises, and quizzes
- Moderated discussions and interactions
- Additional resources (books, articles, documents, and websites)
Individuals from the following groups may be interested in taking the course:
- Civil servants in national Ministries, provincial departments and local authorities
- Environmental and occupational safety managers in private sector and civil society organizations
- Industry and SME representatives of companies which already produce or intend to produce products containing nanomaterials
- Faculty, researchers and students
- Interested citizens
The course participation fee is USD 600. Some fellowships are available for participants from least developed countries working in the field of public sector, academia or non-profit organizations. A UNITAR certificate will be given upon successful completion of the course.
For details please contact the UNITAR Chemicals and Waste Management Programme at: cwm [at] unitar.org (cwm[at]unitar[dot]org)
Register at: http://www.unitar.org/event/elearning (registration will open on 18 February 2014) Registration deadline: 4 May 2014 (or until maximum number of course participants is reached).