Effects-Based Risk Assessment of Emerging and Existing Nanomaterials

Keywords:
nanotechnology, environmental fate, nanotoxicology, ecological impact

Abstract:
Nanotechnology has been compared to the industrial revolution in its scope of applications and ability to dramatically transform new and existing technologies. Nanotechnology is a quickly emerging field where the toxicological effects on human and ecological health have yet to be defined. Currently, little is known about the toxicological impact of nanoscale particles on ecological receptors. What is the fate and toxicological impact of these particles once they are in the environment. Ecological receptors may be exposed in freshwater, saltwater, soil or sediment. The toxicological impact of nanoscale particle exposure to selected organisms within the terrestrial, freshwater and marine water compartments will be discussed.

Nanotech 2008 Conference Program Abstract