Nanotechnology is often described as an emerging technology - one that not only holds promise for society, but also is capable of revolutionizing our approaches to common problems. Nanotechnology is not a completely new field; however, it is only recently that discoveries in this field have advanced so far as to warrant examination of their impact upon the world around us.


Nanotechnology has direct beneficial applications for medicine and the environment, but like all technologies it may have unintended effects that can adversely impact the environment, both within the human body and within the natural ecosystem. How does the science move forward in a way that best protects the public and gets health and safety right the first time? Implications of Nanotechnology for Environmental Health Research identifies the areas in which additional research is needed and the processes by which changes can occur.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Preparing for Nanotechnology: Health, Policy, and Emerging Issues
2 The Promise of Nanotechnology
3 Nanotechnology: Expanding Scientific Understanding
4 Nanotechnology: Government Involvement
5 Next Steps
References
Appendix A Workshop Agenda
Appendix B Speakers and Panelists
Appendix C Workshop Participants