Nanotechnology is one of the fastest growing technological fields of the
21st century. Nanotechnologies will impact numerous
industries, including daily consumer products, health care, energy, and
transportation. However, the success of the emerging nanotechnology
applications will depend on dynamic development of nanomaterial
toxicology, risk and exposure assessment. Little is known about the
potential adverse health and ecological effects of exposure to
engineered nanomaterials, the main components of many nanotechnologies.
Concerns are coming from the initial toxicological studies as well as
the research and epidemiological reports on ultrafine particle toxicity.
This book provides a summary of the state-of-art knowledge on
nanomaterials and nanoparticles - toxicological issues; risk assessment
and control measures; public participation and educational/ethical
issues; and lastly, institutional mechanisms and status reports from
various countries. This book includes a summary of the most important
gaps in knowledge, needs for research, and collaborations in the field
of nanotechnology regarding safe application and development.