Methodological, political and legal issues in the assessment of the effects of nanotechnology on human health

Abstract

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) raise questions among the scientific community and public health authorities about their potential risks to human health. Studying a prospective cohort of workers exposed to ENMs would be considered the gold standard for identifying potential health effects of nanotechnology and confirming the 'no effect' levels derived from cellular and animal models. However, because only small, cross-sectional studies have been conducted in the past 5 years, questions remain about the health risks of ENMs. This essay addresses the scientific, methodological, political and regulatory issues that make epidemiological research in nanotechnology-exposed communities particularly complex. Scientific challenges include the array of physicochemical parameters and ENM production conditions, the lack of universally accepted definitions of ENMs and nanotechnology workers, and the lack of information about modes of action, target organs and likely dose-response functions of ENMs. Standardisation of data collection and harmonisation of research protocols are needed to eliminate misclassification of exposures and health effects. Forming ENM worker cohorts from a combination of smaller cohorts and overcoming selection bias are also challenges. National or international registries for monitoring the exposures and health of ENM workers would be helpful for epidemiological studies, but the creation of such a registry and ENM worker cohorts will require political support and dedicated funding at the national and international levels. Public authorities and health agencies should consider carrying out an ENM awareness campaign to educate and engage all stakeholders and concerned communities in discussion of such a project.

An Exploratory Assessment of Applying Risk Management Practices to Engineered Nanomaterials

“…This finding may be due to the absence of specific guidelines as a consequence of the limited knowledge regarding the possible adverse effects of ENMs on workers. This gap should be thoroughly assessed in the future and supported by epidemiological and cohort studies focused on possible early alterations in exposed subjects [30].…”

Markers of Oxidative Stress in the Exhaled Breath Condensate of Workers Handling Nanocomposites

“…Several recent studies have focused on end-of-life grinding and recycling of CNT-composites [ 3 , 4 ]. In contrast to numerous studies on exposures, little information is available on the health effects of workers and researchers engaged in nanocomposite research and development or manufacturing [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals reactive towards a number of atmospheric oxidants.…”

Deep Airway Inflammation and Respiratory Disorders in Nanocomposite Workers

“…Thousands of workers are engaged in the research, development, and commercial scale production of nano-enabled composites. Yet, limited data is available on exposures and more so on health effects, in occupational settings that produce and use nanomaterials [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] despite their frequent use in various industrial applications (e.g., construction, composites, fillers), with possible release during manufacturing [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”