Nanotechnology research and regulation: A plan to ensure human and environmental safety

The influence of nanotechnology spans numerous fields and is increasing rapidly due to the financial and research contributions to the field. The impact of nanotechnologybased products on human health and the environment is far from being understood. Research output related to environmental, health, and safety issues is too slow and far behind developments to address the vast number of types of nanoparticles and new uses being discovered. This thesis summarizes nanotechnology related regulations, applications, and current research related to environmental and human toxicity in order to put into perspective the gaping holes existing in the safe production, use, and disposal of nanotechnology.;There were a number of conclusions that were determined following the literature survey of this thesis. There is currently a lack of international cooperation between regulatory agencies and research institutions who are involved with nanotechnology. The only entities that have made regulatory progress include the United States, European Union, and Australia. The toxicological impacts of nanotechnology are not fully understood due to the dearth of research, as well as the absence of testing and measuring infrastructure.;Chapter 6 of this thesis proposes an effective and specific research strategy to expedite the creation of enforceable regulations in order to protect the environment, workers, and general public based on the conclusions described in the paragraph above. The strategy outlines the need for the development of an interagency committee, precationary limits, nanomaterial tracer system, nanomaterial data gathering, priority list, funds for toxicity research, and open database to information and materials. The aspects of the outline strategy will ensure the successful and efficient regulation of nanotechnology.