Abstract
Background: The widespread application of nanotechnology in the last decades, the increasing likelihood of human exposure to nano-sized materials, together with the still limited knowledge concerning their toxicological profile, require a careful risk assessment, particularly in occupational settings. However, a specific “risk assessment paradigm” for these peculiar xenobiotics has not yet been defined.
Objective: The aim of this review was to address those critical aspects that currently prevent the achievement of a suitable risk evaluation in order to point out priorities of research helpful to develop and implement an effective guidance for nano-risk assessment. Method: Literature search concerning NM physico-chemical characterization, toxicological behavior and exposure assessment strategies was analyzed to extrapolate opportunities, challenges and criticisms in the application of the general chemical risk assessment steps to the nano-sized toxicological field. Results: Uncertainties on the role of the physico-chemical properties in nanomaterial toxicity, the complexity in extrapolating dose-response relationships, and practical difficulties in measuring nanomaterial exposure emerged as challenging issues for the application of a traditional risk assessment approach to nano-sized exposures. Conclusion: Future investigations on these topics appear necessary to define an effective, nanofocused risk evaluation strategy that should be dynamically improved and verified as more substantial information become available. Such a suitable risk assessment process should provide adequate estimates of nanomaterial risks to guide the adoption of appropriate risk communication and management strategies for the protection and the safety of the workers.Keywords: Dose-response relationships, exposure assessment, hazard identification, nanomaterials, risk evaluation, risk characterization, risk management.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Role of nanomaterials in fabrication of coatings, Machining and Joining
The application of nanoscience has brought about a revolution in the field of mechanical engineering by providing novel materials, boosting manufacturing processes, and generating cutting-edge products. The purpose of this special issue is to investigate the enormous impact that nanoscience has had on mechanical engineering, with a particular emphasis on ...read more
Advanced Inorganic Nanocomposites and Their Emerging Applications
This special issue collection will highlight developments on the recent trends about the synthesis of metal oxides, nanoclusters, biomaterials, 2D nanomaterials, nanocrystals, nanocomposites, etc. and their applications in electrochemical systems, tissue regeneration, energy storage and harvesting, sensors, etc. The novelty of the methods in the chemical synthesis and their characterizations, ...read more
Applicability of Nanotechnology for Performance Enhancement of Clean Energy Technologies
Population growth, industrialization, and improvement in living quality would lead to further increase in energy demand in near future. Regarding the disadvantages of fossil fuels such as fluctuations in their price, high emissions of greenhouse gases and restriction of their sources, it is crucial to use and exploit alternative energy ...read more
Graphene and 2D Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
This thematic issue will discuss the recent advances in graphene-based nanomaterials for different energy technologies. Graphene possesses a high surface area, and stable structure and exhibits many interesting electronic, optical, and mechanical properties due to its 2D crystal structure. Graphene is of both fundamental interest and suitable for a wide ...read more
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