The unique phenomena of materials deliberately created at the nanoscale (1-100 nm) are driving the potential for a broad range of societal benefits in all economic sectors. This potential reshaping of basic material science has been exclaimed as leading to the "Third Industrial Revolution." Currently, there are more than 1,000 nanomaterial-containing products in commerce, and it is estimated that by 2015, there will be one million U.S. workers potentially exposed to nanomaterials. Uncertainties about health and safety effects are a key concern of investors and businesses. Failure to identify and manage the hazards associated with these new materials could cause a significant health and economic burden and stifle this promising technology. NIOSH has developed a comprehensive approach to address the health issues of nanotechnology. Because nanomaterials are already in commerce, NIOSH must address hazard identification, exposure assessment, risk characterization, and risk management simultaneously. Consequently, while conducting applied research in all the areas noted, NIOSH has developed guidance materials on approaches to safe nanotechnology that have been eagerly received, widely cited, and used nationally and internationally by public and private organizations. This session will summarize key findings from the past 12 to 18 months from the NIOSH program.