The study areas of this project includes nomenclature, methodologies for risk assessment, the exchange of information on human and ecological toxicology studies, and the environmental benefits of nanotechnology which are stated to be the current four main issues in nanotechonology research. Its goals are (1) to develop the four main issues concurrently with international communities and feedback the study results to them, and (2) to develop concrete domestic policy on the four main issues after consultation with nanotech researchers. This project has collected 186 nanoterms which are grouped into eight categories. Toxicological information of nanomaterials including nanopartilces, quantum dots, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes has been collected. Two well-known articles on nanotoxicology are also translated into Chinese. Potential environmental benefits based on the results of research and environmentally friendly applications of nanotech are also collected and analyzed, and then classified into five categories. This project has established a preliminary framework for health risk assessment and identified the need for further work. To manage and regulate risks associated with nanotech, a Precautionary Principle is also suggested to help prevent or reduce risks before the completed development of the above mentioned standardized approach. The suggested classification of nanoterms can be used to continue adding new ones over the next 3 years. Information gathered on nanotoxicology will serve as good references concurrently for domestic and international researchers in the pursuits of nanotoxicology. The classification of environmental benefits into five categories will provide a direction for the environmental nanotechnology. The established framework for health assessment of risks associated with nanomaterials can be used to continue the development of a standardized approach for the assessment of nanotechnology risks to human health, the environment, consumers and workers.

Nanotechnology,risk assessment,nanoparticle