Health Effects and Safety Assurance of Nanoparticles in Vulnerable Generations

Abstract

Nanoparticles have a variety of useful functions. They have already been put to practical use in products in many industrial arenas, such as the cosmetics and food fields. Therefore, we cannot avoid the unintentional nanoparticle exposure of vulnerable people such as pregnant women and infants, and the importance of evaluating the safety of such vulnerable generations, who are highly sensitive to chemical substances, has been pointed out worldwide. However, it is still difficult to determine the hazards posed by nanoparticle exposure in everyday life. From this perspective, to analyze the risk from nanoparticles to vulnerable generations, nano-safety science research has been conducted through the collection of toxicity information on nanoparticles based on their physicochemical properties and kinetics via the association analysis of physicochemical properties, kinetics, and toxicity. The results of this nano-safety science research have been used in nano-safety design research to develop safer forms of nanoparticles. The findings of these studies will not only provide insights that will help us to formulate new policies for the risk management of nanoparticles; they will also lead directly to the development of sustainable nanotechnology (nanotechnology that can be safely, usefully, and sustainably used). These developments will contribute not only to the development of the nano-industry and the promotion of its social acceptance, but also to future developments in the field of health science.