Exposure to nanomaterials
We are improving the knowledge that protects workers and the public from the potentially harmful effects of nanomaterials whilst independently advising industry on safety practices.
Nanotechnology is a growing area of interest for businesses and governments, and investment is increasing. The use of nanomaterials in products offers advantages in terms of their performance. However, there is uncertainty on their potential adverse health effects. Researchers believe that the toxicity of nanomaterials seems to be higher than the toxicity of identical materials in larger particles.
The special features of nanomaterials provide challenges on the evaluation of their risk and many principles and routines applied to traditional chemicals do not work with nanomaterials. Understanding their hazards and exposures are important to assess the risk they pose for humans and the environment.
We have been a leading research institute in this field, our results inform policymakers and regulators whilst providing industry information on safe innovation approaches, and risk management measures to ensure a sustainable development for nanotechnology.
Our research:
Our research focuses on:
- occupational and consumer exposure assessment (measurement & modelling)
- hazard and toxicity assessment (laboratory testing & computational methods)
- risk assessment and risk management
- risk governance
- databases
We have provided independent expertise on the development of frameworks for the human health risk assessment of nanomaterials and have built an international research reputation in the field of nanosafety.
We are an invited expert on ISO Technical Committee 229 (Nanotechnologies) and are represented on OECD WPMN working groups and British Standards Institute committees, as well as being an active member of the EU-US nanoEHS Communities of Research and the EU Nano-Safety Cluster.