Principles for Characterizing the Potential Human Health Effects from Exposure to Nanomaterials: Elements of a Screening Strategy
Goal
The object of the Nanomaterial Toxicity Screening Working Group is to develop a screening strategy for the hazard identification of engineered nanomaterials.
Project Rationale
The rapid proliferation of many different engineered nanomaterials presents a dilemma to regulators regarding hazard identification.
Approach
The object of the ILSI RF/RSI Nanomaterial Toxicity Screening Working Group is to identify the key elements of a toxicity screening strategy for engineered nanomaterials. The group, chaired by Günter Oberdörster from the Department of Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester, considered potential effects of exposure to nanomaterials by inhalation, dermal, oral, and injection routes; discussed how mechanisms of nanoparticle toxicity may differ from those exhibited by larger particles of the same substance; and identified significant data needs for designing a robust screening strategy.
The elements of a screening strategy for nanomaterials developed by the Nanomaterial Toxicity Screening Working Group include an evaluation of the physicochemical characteristics and dose metrics; acellular assays; in vitro assays for lung, skin, and mucosal membranes; and in vivo assays for lung, skin, oral, and injection exposures.
Current Status
The multi-disciplinary working group met in February 2005 and published Principles for Characterizing the Potential Human Health Effects from Exposure to Nanomaterials: Elements of a Screening Strategy in the on-line open access journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology. The report may be accessed at http://www.particleandfibretoxicology.com/content/2/1/8
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies – created in partnership with the Pew Charitable Trusts – hosted a meeting on October 20, 2005 to announce the publication of the report and facilitate a panel discussion to bring this report to the attention of the scientific and regulatory communities and allow for discussion of the relevance of the report relative to advancing the science of nanomaterial toxicity. A webcast of the meeting is available at http://wilsoncenter.org.
This project was funded through a cooperative agreement with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.