Ecotoxicology of Nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanomaterials are defined as substances with one or more dimensions within the range of 1–100 nm. The research and use of nanomaterials is growing at an ever-increasing rate. The nanomaterials are used not only in special industrial applications but also in products of daily use. Although clear benefits are expected from the ongoing surge of the materials, concerns are expressed that nanoparticles might have adverse effects on human or environmental health. The real environmental effects of nanomaterials are not yet fully understood. Thus any effective protective regulatory policy concerning nanomaterials has not yet been established.