NIEHS OPPE Factsheet #03 - July 2003

Nanotechnology Safety Assessment

National Toxicology Program

The societal impact of nanotechnology is enormous - better ways to prevent, detect and treat disease, faster and more efficient electronics, cleaner energy, more efficient manufacturing, and better systems to assess environmental risk. Major efforts are underway in both industry and government to realize the amazing promise of this technology. However, very little attention is devoted to assessment of health risks to humans or to the ecosystem. It is highly unlikely that all the materials used in construction of nanoparticles will be biologically inert. Futhermore, there is the still unsettled issue of "size matters" with respect to toxicity. For example, studies have shown that ultrafine particles, irrespective of their chemical composition, are potent inducers of inflammatory lung injury. The diversity of materials in constructing nanoparticles suggests that the universal safety of such systems cannot be taken for granted, and there will not be a single answer.

In summary, the toxicology of nanoparticles is poorly understood as there is no regulatory requirement to test nanoparticles for health, safety and environmental impacts. More research is urgently needed as there are many indications that ultrafine particles could pose a human health hazard. Research is now showing that when harmless bulk materials are made into ultrafine particles, they tend to become toxic. Generally, the smaller the particles, the more reactive and toxic are their effects. There is cause for concern as indicated by discussions at a symposium co-sponsored by the NIEHS and Rice University at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in which a number of potential health issues were raised. In addition, some groups have called for a moratorium on the production and commercial application of synthetic nanoparticles until "best practices" are adopted and safety assessment is complete.

Nanoscale materials were recently nominated to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for toxicological evaluation. This nomination was made by the Director of the National Science Foundation-sponsored Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology. Their concern is that, as the industry grows, more and more people will be exposed to nanoproducts for which there is a paucity of toxicity information. Based on the nomination, the NTP is developing materials and protocols to test a broad spectrum of nanoscale materials for toxicity in animal models over the next five years.

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NIEHS OPPE Factsheet #03 - July 2003
Media inquiries 919/541-2605 or 919/541-1993

 Additional Information:

• NIEHS Health Topic: Nanotechnology