Health effects of exposure to carbon nanofibers: Systematic review, critical appraisal, meta analysis and research to practice perspectives

Decreasing the gap between emerging nanotechnologies and citizen through ethical considerations and socially responsible research: the example of nano-drugs

“…Nanotechnology, a multidisciplinary scientific field undergoing explosive development, which refers to the design, characterization, production and application of structures, devices and systems that have novel physical, chemical and biological properties, by controlling shape and size at the nano-meter scale (1,3), is subject to many controversial debates, among scientists, but not only. The design and assembly of sub microscopic devices called nano-particles, which are 1 to 100 nano-meter in diameter (19), are also the object of concern as to the safety of their use, and not only in the general public (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28). Potential toxic effects of certain nano-products have legitimately conducted either the decision makers or the civil society to mobilise high level expert's investigation not only in France (24)(25)(26) but in most of the OECD member countries (27)(28)(29).…”

Preventing Societal Health Risks Emerging in the Development Of Nanomedicine - What Should Prevail?

“…The heightened possible risks widely described for certain nanomaterials in recent publications (Poland et al, 2008;Takagi et al, 2008;Genaidy et al, 2009;Murphy et al, 2011), the multiple sources of uncertainty, either primary due to variability or secondary in relation to limited knowledge, the absence of a robust common and universally accepted terminology, the ongoing debates to agree on appropriate regulation, are so many reasons that makes it legitimate to refer to the precautionary principles in the course of the decision making process when dealing with particles, materials and devices in nanomedicine.…”

“…While this multidisciplinary scientific field is undergoing explosive development, it is also subject to many controversial debates among scientists, but not only 2 . The design and assembly of sub microscopic devices called nanoparticles, which are 1 to 100 nanometer in diameter (Kateb et al, 2011), are also the object of concern as to the safety of their use, and not only in the general public (Poland et al, 2008;Takagi et al, 2008;Genaidy et al, 2009;Murphy et al, 2011). Potential toxic effects of certain nanoproducts have legitimately conducted either the decision makers or the civil society to mobilise high level expert's investigation not only in France (AFSSET, 2006(AFSSET, , 2008HCSP, 2009) but in most of the OECD member countries (Kaluza et al, 2008;DHHS-CDC-NIOSH, 2009;Ostiguy et al, 2010).…”

Taking a precautionary approach to nanotechnology

“…These account for 80 percent of the nanomanufacturing sector, with 500 tons produced globally in 2008, and millions of tons expected to be produced annually in the near future. 20 Workers and researchers are already being exposed to these nanoparticles. Yet, a 2009 toxicity review could find no data on human exposure to carbon nanotubes.…”

“…Yet, a 2009 toxicity review could find no data on human exposure to carbon nanotubes. 20 A 2010 review located eight occupational exposure studies, primarily published in the previous two years. 21 The precautionary principle would apply here even though uncertainty remains about the link between carbon nanotubes and any human or environmental harm.…”