Nora Savage, Ph.D.
US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC
Treye Thomas, Ph.D.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC
The emergence and development of nanotechnology and the resultant use of nanoproducts will have a dramatic impact on modern society. Nanotechnology and nanoscience have the potential to substantially improve the characteristics and/or performance of many materials used in a variety of commercial product applications including, but certainly not limited to, polymer and emulsion development, microelectronic processes, energy generation, distribution and storage, food processing, and building construction. In addition, government agencies around the world are supporting the development and use of this technology to provide tools and products that are beneficial to society. Nanotechnology development is also viewed as useful for increasing economic benefits and enhancing the quality of life. These agencies recognize the technology’s potential societal benefits arising from the development of high performance protective equipment, new sensor technologies, innovative environmental remediation techniques, and novel drug delivery and medical imaging systems.
While the potential benefits of nanotechnology have been well documented, the possible human health and ecosystem implications of its widespread development and use have only just begun to be explored. Specifically, the development of models to systematically assess the exposure potential of nanomaterials is still in its infancy. The federal government, various industries, and many non-governmental organizations are aware of the need for the responsible development of the technology. Accomplishing that goal will require quality data regarding the exposure potential of organisms and the environment to nanomaterials.
This session will contain presentations on exposure assessments for various engineered nanomaterials. Questions addressed would include: Are some subpopulations more vulnerable to nanomaterial exposure? Which engineered nanoparticle present the greatest exposure potential? What are likely exposure scenarios? How can individual, group, and population exposures accurately be quantified?
The purpose of this session is to provide the current emerging scientific data from exposure studies using engineered nanomaterials. This will enhance scientific knowledge in this area, generate innovative research ideas, foster collaborative efforts and stimulate researchers to consider potential impacts of research.
