Scientists from JRC and Danish organisations have jointly drafted a book chapter in which they discuss the "Feasibility and challenges of human health risk assessment for engineered nanomaterials". The book is published as part of a series from Wiley-IUPAC on nanomaterials written by world leading experts from prestigious universities and companies.
Nanomaterials (NMs) pose specific challenges to the risk assessment due to their specific properties which may change during the life cycle. Furthermore, one chemical composition may cover many nanomaterials (nanoforms) that have different (eco)toxicological properties. A systematic testing of all different forms of NMs in all use/release scenarios is viewed as impossible for time, cost and ethical reasons. Many efforts are made to predict the NM hazard and exposure by employing alternative methods and/or increased exploitation of information from traditional test methods.
Further information: Human health risk assessment for nanomaterials: Feasibility and challenges