Adopted by the SCENIHR during the 7th plenary meeting of 28-29 September 2005. Includes bibliographical references (p. 62-77)

Background -- Terms of Reference -- Scientific rational -- Introduction -- Definitions and scope -- Nanoscience and nanotechnology -- Examples of engineered nanostructures and materials and their applications -- Essentials of nanostructure generation: top-down vs. bottom-up chemical and physical self assembly -- Nanoscale materials properties -- Conclusions -- Nanoparticles: Physical and chemical particles -- Nanoparticle - nanoparticle interaction -- Sources of free nanoparticles -- Formation of nanoparticles in the liquid phase -- Formation of nanoparticles suspended in the gas phase -- Environmental sources of airborne nanoparticles -- Occupational sources of airborne nanoparticles -- Nanoparticles in and from consumer products -- Detection and measurement on nanoparticles -- In situ and on-line detection principles for nanoparticles in gas suspension -- In situ and on-line detection of particles in a liquid medium -- Potential for interactions between nanoparticles and living systems -- Nanoparticles in living systems - the surface effects -- Effects of size, shape, surface and bulk composition -- Solubility and persistence -- Toxicology of nanoparticles -- Mediators of the toxicity of particles -- Inhaled particles -- Particles for drug delivery -- Toxicological testing -- Exposure scenarios -- Sampling -- Exposure assessment methodologies -- General exposure considerations -- Hazard considerations -- Scope of nanoparticle risk assessment -- Exposure assessment methodology -- Hazard identification and hazard characterization methodology -- Risk characterization and integrated risk assessment -- Critical gaps in knowledge required for risk assessment purposes -- Regulatory and other aspects related to risk assessment -- Other needed developments -- Prioritisation of needs in knowledge -- Committee opinion -- Minority opinion.