Scope of inventory

This inventory is designed to catalogue information on research that has some degree of relevance to the EH&S implications of nanotechnology. It is not the intention to include research which has no clear relevance to EH&S implications. Interpretation of relevant research predominantly lies with those providing information, although new entries submitted to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies are, and will be, evaluated prior to posting. However, the National Nanotechnology Initiative definition of implications-relevant research is suggested as a guide:

Research and development (R&D) on the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) implications of nanotechnology includes efforts whose primary purpose is to understand and address potential risks to health and to the environment posed by this technology. Potential risks encompass those resulting from human, animal, or environmental exposure to nanoproducts-here defined as engineered nanoscale materials, nanostructured materials, or nanotechnology-based devices, and their byproducts. (www.nano.gov)

In addition, we encourage the addition of applications-based research that has some clear relevance to understanding the implications of nanotechnology. For example, research into the development of quantum-dot based particles for medical imaging that also addresses the potential toxicity of these particles would be included, as would research into therapeutics-based mechanisms that shed light on biological interactions that could potentially lead to harm. However, applications-based research with no clear focus on EH&S implications would not be considered relevant.