Nanomaterials Novel Approaches

Production of nanomaterials has been constantly evolving over the last few years for manifold applications in electronic, optical and biomedical fields. As a result, exposure towards nanoparticles in the workplace environment is increasing, while respective occupational exposure limits are lacking. The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft′s Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area (MAK Commission) recognized the importance of a scientifically based approach to the risk assessment of nanoparticles at the workplace and in 2009 established the ad–hoc working group "Nanoparticles". Its task was to review the current database available for risk assessment for nanoparticles, to identify relevant endpoints of toxicological concern and to define open questions for future research. This report contains overviews on the important toxicological aspects of the nanoparticles and a summary and conclusions of the discussions that took place during the meetings of the ad hoc working group "Nanoparticles".

Preface 7 Members and Guests 8 1 Contributions 9 1 1 Primary Particles &ndash, Agglomerates &ndash, Aggregates Dirk Walter 9 1 2 Exposure during Production and Handling of Manufactured Nanomaterials Markus G. M. Berges 25 1 3 Toxicokinetics of Inhaled Nanoparticles Wolfgang G. Kreyling 32 1 4 Penetration of Nanoparticles through Intact and Compromised Skin Gintautas Korinth and Hans Drexler 37 1 5 Studies on the Inhalation Uptake and Effects of Nanomaterials Robert Landsiedel 43 1 6 Animal Studies on the Effect of Nanoparticles in Organs other than the Lungs Uwe Heinrich 49 1 7 Transport of Nanoparticles to the Brain: Concern for Neurotoxicity? Andrea Hartwig 53 1 8 Genotoxicity of Nanoparticles Roel Schins 60 1 9 Metal–based Nanoparticles with Special Emphasis to Copper Andrea Hartwig 65 1 10 Common Denominators of Carbon Nanotubes Jü,rgen Pauluhn 68 1 11 Epidemiological Data Dirk Pallapies 84 2 Summary and Conclusions Andrea Hartwig 91 2 1 Characterization of Nanomaterials and Exposure Assessment 91 2 2 Grouping of Nanomaterials 92 2.3 Identification of Relevant Endpoints for Risk Assessment and Threshold Value Setting under Realistic Exposure Conditions 93 2.4 Research Needs 94