Overview of the current knowledge and challenges associated with human exposure to nanomaterials

There has been significant progress in the field of nanotoxicology, which has coincided with the increasing advancements made in the field of nanotechnology (Donaldson et al., 2006; Hoet et al., 2004; Maynard et al., 2006; 2007). Due to the increased use and diversity of nanomaterials (NM) there is an imperative need to deduce whether NM exposure could result in the onset of adverse human health effects. In order to address such health 776concerns, research into the effects of engineered NMs has received considerable interest over the past 20 years. This research has provided important information that has enabled the progression and realisation of some of proposed advantages of nanotechnology (Maynard et al., 2006; 2007; Oberdorster et al., 2005). Currently, despite certain advances in the field of nanotoxicology, the testing strategies for the determination of the NM-related biological impact(s) remain insufficient (Oberdorster et al., 2005).