Research Strategies for Safety Evaluation of Nanomaterials, Part IV: Risk Assessment of Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanoparticles are small-scale substances (2 and quartz illustrate the complex relationship between toxicity and particle characteristics, including surface coatings, which make generalizations (e.g., smaller particles are always more toxic) incorrect for some substances. These recent toxicity and exposure data, combined with therapeutic and other related literature, are beginning to shape risk assessments that will be used to regulate the use of nanomaterials in consumer products.