Nanotechnology is one of the most exciting new fields of scientific research and development. But every new discovery carries risks and in nanotechnology, these center on toxicity and negative environmental impacts. Standards are at the forefront of the effort to ensure the safe development of nanomaterials. And the newly released ISO/TR 16197 directly addresses the risks these materials present. Titled “Nanotechnologies – Compilation and description of toxicological screening methods for manufactured nanomaterials,” this technical report presents the user with information to be used in early evaluation of the safety of new nanomaterials.
Early toxicological screening can provide researchers and developers with information for decision-making. The idea is that screening nanomaterials (NMs) early in the process can identify those with a high risk for negative effects. Since complete testing can be lengthy and expensive, screening offers tools to determine if further development is likely to produce positive results.
This report includes an extensive background section, to help you understand the value of toxicological screening. It discusses the tiered approach to the toxicological assessment of manufactured nanomaterials. It introduces you to the sample preparation and dosing information that will be published as ISO/TR 16196. And it covers the other work that’s being done to develop a physico-chemical characterization of engineering NMs (ISO/TR 13014).
Sections 6 and 7 of ISO/TR 16197 cover toxicological screening related to human health and to the environment respectively. The section on human toxicity is particularly extensive, covering both in vitro and in vivo screening. You’ll also get a discussion of using both positive and negative controls in this type of testing.
All sections make extensive use of citations, all included in the 160 item Bibliography.
I regularly include information on recently released standards on nanotechnology in my blog.document-center.com postings. Here are links to a few of them:
- New Nanotechnology Standards for the 1st Quarter 2014
- New Nanotechnology Standards for the 4th Quarter 2013
- New Nanotechnology Standards for the 3rd Quarter 2013
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