What Happened To Nanotechnology Risk Assessment Stands?

Chemicals in their nanoparticle form contain substances that display behaviour distinct from their larger physical forms. Consequently, their interactions with biological systems differ in recognised ways. Therefore, assessing the hazards associated with nanoparticles is necessary. This assessment is required even when toxicological data for the chemicals in their bulk form is well documented and nanoparticles may contact people or other species in the environment.

The conventional methodology for risk assessment, which comprises hazard identification, exposure evaluation, hazard characterisation and risk description, has yet to be applied to nanoparticles. Presently, no official guidelines exist for appropriate testing procedures. Commercial production of nanoparticles is a recent development. Limited information is available regarding their impacts on human health and the environment.

To ensure the benefits of nanotechnology, addressing risks to human health and the environment at an early stage of product development is important. However, terminology must first be clarified. In existing literature addressing the latent risks of nanomaterials, the terms nanotechnology and nanomaterials are frequently used interchangeably with nanoparticles.

Consequently, the hazards associated with nanotechnology and nanomaterials have so far been identified primarily for specific nanoparticles, particularly those based on carob. However, the physical, chemical and biological properties of various nanomaterials differ significantly from those of specific nanoparticles, as do the anticipated exposure routes. Given that, differentiation of nanomaterials is essential to ascertain the potential risks they may present.

An advantage of the proposed classification structure is that it provides a tool to partition nanosystems into identifiable components. This partitioning facilitates the evaluation of relevant contact routes and the execution of impact studies depending on the significance of the substance tested. Another aspect to consider when assessing the toxicity of nanomaterials is their chemical and physical properties. To date, the specific properties that determine or influence the risks of nanoparticles remain unidentified. Given that nanoparticles differ markedly from their bulk counterparts due to quantum and surface effects, their hazardous impacts cannot be inferred from the toxicity of bulk materials. Consequently, significant issues arise in the investigation of the environmental and health impacts of free nanoparticles.

Conducting and interpreting scientific studies on the risk properties of nanomaterials is pertinent to future risk assessments of nanotechnology-based properties and products. This work requires interdisciplinary collaboration between experts. Such collaboration should involve toxicologists and nanoscientists including material engineers, chemists and physicists.