A promising trend for nano-EHS research - Integrating fate and transport analysis with safety assessment using model organisms

One decade since the call for “Safe Handling of Nanotechnology”, the field of nano-EHS has gradually evolved and become a major research enterprise with the overarching goal of ensuring a sustainable development of nanotechnology. In reviewing the literature, we realized that most of the early studies separated exposure analysis and hazard assessment, the two main parts of the equation for risk assessment. As a result, it was difficult to reach proper conclusions on the risk potential of the nanomaterials being tested. Recently, more studies have integrated fate and transport analysis into safety assessment of nanomaterials. Through summarizing the representative exposure characteristics of nanomaterials in the aqueous environment and their connections to aquatic toxicity testing, this review aims to highlight a few integrated studies as they represent a promising trend for nano-EHS research to achieve a better understanding of risk potentials associated with nanotechnology.