About the concept
NIVA has introduced a new concept; a series of one-day thematic lecture seminars, which will circulate in all Nordic countries. The aim is to give national actors in each of the Nordic countries the opportunity to compare their own country's position and strategies with the similar practices and perspectives of other Nordic countries.
Each of the seminars acts as an independent entity.

In 2010, the topic is "Health effects and risks of nanoparticles".
In 2011, the same concept will explore the issue of creating good practices for elderly work.


Nordic Tour 2010
Health Effects and Risks of Nanoparticles

Seminar leader: Professor Kai Savolainen, MD
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Professor Kai Savolainen has been a member of several domestic and international scientific expert groups within the EU and beyond, and he has given talks in international congresses around the world. He has published over 400 scientific papers.
Kai Savolainen coordinates and leads several large EU-funded research consortia with a focus on the safety of engineered nanoparticles and issues related to other aspects of occupational safety and health.


Date and venue
27 October, Eigtveds Pakhus, Copenhagen, Denmark
2 November, Oslo Militære Samfunn (Oslo Military Society), Oslo, Norway
9 November, Säätytalo, Helsinki, Finland
11 November, Norra Latin, Stockholm, Sweden
16 November, The Nordic House, Reykjavik, Iceland


6012A - Copenhagen Programme
6012B - Oslo
6012C - Helsinki Programme
6012D - Stockholm Programme
6012E - Reykjavík

Background
Nanotechnologies (NT) are extremely promising, generic technologies cross-cutting several industrial sectors. Today, they are contributing to the success of several industries. It is predicted that they will have a major positive impact, not only on technological progress and profits, but also on health, the environment, and social wellbeing. However, the special characteristics of engineered nanomaterials (ENM), the building blocks of NT, also mean that they are very reactive due to their large mass-to-surface ratio, their reactivity, and small size - one dimension less than 100 nm. This means that they can gain access to virtually any organ or cell, with the possiblity of harmful effects in humans and other organisms. That is why there is a clear need to conduct research on understanding the behavior, effects and mechanisms of actions of ENM. In essence, effective means to assure safe use of ENM and NT are essential before consumers place their trust in these technologies. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop strategies to reliably evaluate the safety of these diverse materials, and to quickly develop an effective risk management process for ENM and NT.

Objectives
The goal of this seminar series is to introduce the latest in nanotechnology to a wider audience and to discuss the possible health risks of this type of technology. Also specialists in the area will gain from attending and hearing of the latest developments in the area.

National focus
Each one-day seminar is comprised of morning sessions, which will be similar in each Nordic country, and afternoon sessions, which can be tailored according to each country's own burning national questions regarding nanotechnology and engineered nanomaterials. Therefore, the local organizer can design the afternoon sessions and select the relevant speakers.

Key faculty for the morning sessions
Kai Savolainen, Professor, M.D., Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Keld Alstrup Jensen, Senior Researcher, M.Sc., Ph.D., National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark
Harri Alenius, Research Professor, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health

National organizers
Denmark Håkan Wallin, Professor, Cand Phil, Dr.Phil.,
National Research Centre for the Working Environment
Norway Vidar Skaug, Chief Physician, Toxicologist, Department for the Chemical and Biological Work Environment, The National Institute of Occupational Health
Finland Kai Savolainen, Professor, M.D., Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Sweden Bengt Fadeel, Associate Professor, M.D., Ph.D., Karolinska Institutet
Iceland Vidir Kristjánsson, Chief of Department of Chemistry and Industrial Hygiene, Administration of Occupational Safety and Health in Iceland

Registration deadline
30 September 2010. Please, register at www.niva.org/registration.htm
A confirmation letter that contains detailed practical information will be sent to the participants after the registration deadline.

When paying the fee, please indicate clearly:
1. Your name
2. Seminar fee in EUR
3. Seminar code:
6012A - Denmark
6012B - Norway
6012C - Finland
6012D - Sweden
6012E - Iceland

The payment should be made by 8 October 2010 to:
Nordea Bank Finland Plc
Meilahti Branch, Tukholmankatu 2
00250 Helsinki, Finland
Account no: 226238-2043
IBAn:FI79 2262 3800 0020 43
Swift code: NDEAFIHH

Cancellation and refund policy
Cancellations received by 30 September 2010: full refund
Cancellations received by 8 October 2010: 50% refund of the registration fee
Cancellations received after 8 October 2010: no refund
"No show" on the day of the seminar and no cancellation: full payment required

Registration fee
EUR 150/seminar (includes seminar material, lunch and coffees)

Language
The language of all the seminars will be English.

Seminar leader
Professor Kai Savolainen
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A
00250 Helsinki,Finland
Tel. +358 30 474 2200
kai.savolainen@ttl.fi

Course coordinator
Siv Jansson, NIVA
Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A
00250 Helsinki
Finland
Tel. +358 30 474 2488
siv.jansson@ttl.fi


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