A book chapter by Vireo Authors in Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice, edited by Dennis J. Paustenbach, provides an overview of specific considerations that must be addressed when assessing nanomaterial risks. These include the need for extensive physicochemical characterization of materials and assessment of potential impacts on hazard and exposure. Life-cycle thinking is highlighted as an integral part of nanomaterial risk assessment given the significant transformations of these materials as they progress through the product life-cycle, impacting hazard, exposure and overall risk.

An overview of current nanomaterial risk assessment frameworks provides the context for state-of-the-art approaches to assess nanomaterial risk, including unique tools, test protocols, and guidelines. Case studies for carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanomaterials put these theories into practice, guiding readers through model risk assessment processes. The chapter concludes with some of the major lessons learned over the past 20 or more years of research and future research areas for risk analysis as we look to the next generation of nanomaterials and other advanced technologies.

Access Latest Developments in the Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials: A Framework for Advanced Materials and Emerging Technologies, by Jo Anne Shatkin, James Ede, and Kimberly Ong at the publisher’s website.