Level 3 - Source on Nanotechnologies

• 1. What is nanotechnology?
• 2. What is the current state of nanoscience and nanotechnology?
• 3. What are the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles?
• 4. How are nanoparticles formed?
  • 4.1 How do nanoparticles form in the liquid phase?
  • 4.2 How do nanoparticles form in the gas phase?
  • 4.3 What are the sources of airborne nanoparticles?
• 5. What are the uses of nanoparticles in consumer products?
• 6. What are potential harmful effects of nanoparticles?
  • 6.1 Can nanoparticles interact with living organisms?
  • 6.2 Which characteristics of nanoparticles are relevant for health effects?
  • 6.3 How can inhaled nanoparticles affect health?
  • 6.4 What are the health implications of nanoparticles used as drug carriers?
  • 6.5 How should harmful effects of nanoparticles be assessed?
  • 6.6 What are the effects of nanoparticles on the environment?
• 7. How can exposure to nanoparticles be measured?
  • 7.1 How can nanoparticles be detected and their specific properties measured?
  • 7.2 How can exposure to airborne nanoparticles be assessed?
  • 7.3 In what ways are humans exposed to nanoparticles?
• 8. Are current risk assessment methodologies for nanoparticles adequate?
  • 8.1 What considerations should the risk assessment take into account?
  • 8.2 What factors of exposure do risk assessment methodologies need to specify?
  • 8.3 How should risks and hazards related to nanoparticles be addressed?
  • 8.4 What should be done to improve the risk assessment of nanoparticles?
• 9. Conclusion – Are existing methodologies to assess the potential human health and environmental risks associated with products of nanotechnology appropriate?