Evaluation of health risks of nano- and microparticles

Little research has to date been done to evaluate the impact of nanoparticles on the environment and humans, despite their use in products such as cosmetics, paint and tyres. Experience with other emerging technologies has shown that they are only accepted by society if possible health effects are analysed and published at an early stage of development. INOS, the Identification and Assessment of the Effects of Engineered Nanoparticles on Human and Environmental Health research project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), has been set up to address these issues. Some initial results of the project are briefly described.