The rapid expansion of nanomaterials production and use in many products creates a need for understanding the mechanisms of nanomaterial with living systems, and the environment, along their life cycle from manufacturing to recycling and to final disposal processes. This task is very difficult since nanomaterials are chemically (carbon, metals, oxides, polymers) and physically (nanoparticles, nanotubes) heterogeneous and their possible adverse effects are affected by many factors. The situation is even more complicated by the presence of combustion related (unintended) nanoparticles in the ambient air carrying toxic metals and organic compounds. Some of them (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives) are known to be carcinogenic to humans. Well conducted interdisciplinary studies are necessary to build a mechanistic knowledge as a basis for the future legislation in the area of nanosafety.

Ústav experimentální medicíny AV ČR Praha

Do we need to study possible risks of nanomaterials to human health?