Effects-Based Risk Assessment of Emerging and Existing Nanomaterials

摘要

The phenomena of nanotechnology have been compared to the Industrial Revolution in its scope of potential applications, ability to transform current technologies and the number of scientific disciplines that is encompassed. However, the novel biological, physical, and chemical properties of nanoscale particles (NP) that are harnessed for new technologies may prove to be a Trojan horse. Although the majority of research is focused on product development the need for research to characterize toxicity of these NP is becoming increasingly evident. The lack of toxicity data is hampering the ability of government agencies to regulate the use of these particles effectively. This article discusses preliminary toxicity tests that were performed on selected ecological receptors from marine, freshwater, and terrestrial compartments. We also discuss the development of a risk assessment framework with a life-cycle focus in the context of managing environmental risks associated with nanotechnology.