Nanotoxicology

The development of new materials is one of the most controversial points about nanotechnology. There are many green parties in Europe asking for regulations and government implication. It is very important for all the stakeholders related to nanoscience and nanotechnology not to forget that these developments must be under safe and responsible ways.


Many people talk about possible nanotechnology risks without even knowing which are the real ones. There are hundreds of perfectly safe applications that are being developed or used without risks. But there are also potential risks about the use and production of some nanotechnology applications that all of us must be conscius. Let's take the asian example, there are many final applications that in Europe would never pass without performing first a toxicological test, like for example the indiscriminate use of nanoparticles in polyethilene for food packaging, in coatings, etc. If there going to be a direct contact between the human being and the final application, we must be sure about whether it is a toxic material or not, which concentration ranges, whether the material would be in contact with food or other sensible products, for how long would be in contact, etc.

Industry and developers are well aware of that and nanotoxicology/nanotoxicity has become one new discipline on itself. Associations like ENTA encourages industry and research centers about being responsible with the study and applications of nanotechnology.

All these things and many other related will be discussed in Nanotoxicology 2007, 19 - 21st April 2007, San Servolo, Venice, Italy. The theme this year is "Progress and Future Perspectives".

We must send the message that all the stakeholders related to nanotechnology are well aware about the importance of studying the effects on environment and human health. This is one of the major concerns and this must be the path nanotechnology/nanoscience should follow.