No abstract

Despite nanotechnology is an important and rapidly growing field of scientific and practical innovations, little is known about the potential risks of nanomaterials and nanotechnology to human health and environment. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticle is important in consumer products because of its high stability and anticorrosion and photo-catalytic nature. It is frequently used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, paint, and paper industries. Recent studies, however, have shown that TiO 2 nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in various lines of cultured cells as well as tumorigenesis in animal models. We do not have enough information on types and quantities of manufactured nanoparticles and the levels of exposure in Korea. To evaluate the use of photo-catalytic TiO 2 nanoparticles, we have surveyed the use of photo-catalytic TiO 2 nanoparticles from 94 Korean companies. The results indicate that forty-eight companies declared to use and/or produce nanoparticles. The results will be used for the basis of risk assessments and development of guidelines for the risk and safety decision framework.