ABSTRACT
Nanomaterials are produced for a variety of uses, but the main parameters that make them so appealing may also make them more of a risk to human health and the environment.1,2 Nanomaterials are lightweight yet durable, have an increased surface area, can be more porous, and can be more soluble. These factors, along with their small size, may give them the ability to interact with biological systems in ways not seen before. Exposure estimates or human health effects associated with exposure to nanomaterials during manufacturing or use as consumer products is not well investigated or known. There is a lack of information on the effects of nanomaterials as compared to many of the macroscale materials. There have been some occupational exposure studies performed, but these are small-scale studies limited to a particular production method or use of a specic nanomaterial.3-5 This lack of exposure information in human populations limits the ability to adequately assess the risks associated with nanomaterials, making it necessary to extrapolate from studies based on ultrane particles and bers. This lack of understanding of the risks associated with nanomaterials further hinders the risk management of these materials. Many of the existing standards for regulation described here are based on materials in their macroscale forms but these may not be relevant to protect against the nanoscale counterparts.
