You are here:
ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF PULMONARY EXPOSURE TO NANOMATERIALS
Citation:
DREHER, K. L. ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF PULMONARY EXPOSURE TO NANOMATERIALS. Presented at Annual Meeting of the American College of Toxicology, Indian Springs, CA, November 05 - 08, 2006.
Description:
Nanotechnology is a dynamic and enabling technology capable of producing a wide diversity of nano-scale (<100 nm) materials displaying unique physicochemical properties for a variety of applications. Nanomaterials may also display unique toxicological properties and routes of exposure due to their novel properties and applications. Although existing toxicological databases have provided information on the pulmonary: dosimetry, fate/translocation, toxicity, and mechanisms of injury of occupational and environmental nanoparticles, it is unclear whether this information can be extrapolated to novel engineered nanoparticles. Toxicological assessment of manufactured nanomaterials following inhalation exposure will require consideration of both local and systemic biological responses due to their ability to be distributed beyond the initial site of deposition. Preliminary toxicological studies have demonstrated manufactured nanoparticle toxicity to be multi-factorial, being regulated not only by size and surface area but also by specific surface properties. Linking adverse pulmonary effects to nanoparticle properties is critically needed to determine what metric best correlates with toxicity in order to support monitoring and risk management strategies for nanotechnology. A multi-disciplinary approach will be required in order to fully assess the health effects of engineered nanoparticles following inhalation exposure. Insight into the potential health implications of manufactured nanomaterials, and their applications, is critical to assist this technology to develop in a responsible manner. (This abstract does not reflect EPA policy)