Nanotechnology safety

Nanomaterials are being studied for a number of medical applications, including disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment. However, safety and toxicity risks associated with nanomaterials are largely unknown. A new report on nanotechnology-related health and safety issues defines a screening strategy to test potential toxic effects associated with exposure to nanomaterials. Such exposure may occur by oral, dermal, inhalation and injectional routes and such properties as particle size, surface area and chemical composition may affect toxicity.