You are here:
Potential Developmental and Early Life Health Effects of Nanomaterials: Data Gaps and Research Needs for Risk Assessment
Citation:
Gwinn, M. Potential Developmental and Early Life Health Effects of Nanomaterials: Data Gaps and Research Needs for Risk Assessment. Society of Toxicology (SOT) 2016 Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 13 - 17, 2016.
Impact/Purpose:
Presentation at the 55th Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology (March 2016).
Description:
Although research examining the toxicology of nanomaterials has been ongoing for many years, early studies largely focus on respiratory effects, and are limited by lack of appropriate dose metrics and a limited understanding of the role of the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials on the observed effects. More recently, efforts have been made to better understand other toxicities following exposure to nanomaterials, but large data gaps still remain, particularly related to the fetal impacts of maternal exposures. These data limitations impact the ability to adequately assess the risks associated with nanomaterials, making it difficult to evaluate nanomaterials beyond a case-by-case basis. As the use of nanomaterials increases rapidly in consumer products, there is an even greater need to understand the complexities of the issues surrounding the potential exposures to nanomaterials and their effects during development and early life. Current issues related to the risk assessment of nanomaterials include the lack of toxicokinetic data on transplacental transfer of nanomaterials to the fetus and the lack of understanding of the mechanisms of the potential direct and indirect fetal effects following maternal exposure to nanomaterials. Further discussion is needed on the appropriate design of future toxicity studies to inform these issues. DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and/or policies of the Environmental Protection Agency.