The potential risks of nanomaterials: a review carried out by the ECETOC

This review of a number of international reports on the possible toxicity of nanomaterials shows that (1) nanoparticles can deposit in the respiratory tract after inhalation, possibly crossing into the brain, (2) while there is little evidence from skin studies that dermal application of metal oxide nanoparticles lead to systematic exposure, questions are raised if the normal studies done on healthy, intact skin are sufficient, and (3) oral uptake of nanomaterials into the gastrointestinal tract is a known phenomenon, of which use is intentionally made in the design of food and pharmaceutical components. Finally, the report indicates that only a few specific nanoparticles have been investigated in a limited number of test situations. Because of this limited pool of knowledge, no blanket statement about human toxicity can be given at this time.