The Federal Institute for Occupational Health and Safety in coorporation with the Association of the Chemical Industry initiated a survey to describe focal points concerning nanotechnology and to induce recommendations for safety measures depending on the needs for action. Results of the survey will be presented making statements concerning the number of possibly exposed subjects, tonnages, measurements of exposure, information concerning effects on health and propagation of information for customers. One part of the questionnaire mainly included product-related calculation regarding the nanomaterial itself e. g. material properties of the nanoparticles and exposure at the workplace. Additionally, safety-measures of the companies using nanomaterials are presented. The rate of return of this voluntary campaign was 33%. Thus, the results give a first overview on the handling with nanomaterials in Germany. To get more representative data also handling of suspensions should be included in a future questionnaire as well as in the definition of nanomaterial, also use of nanomaterial in quantities less than 1 kg needs to be included.
