AIHA Hosts Toxicology TeleWeb
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) will host "Toxicology of Engineered and Incidental Nanoparticles," an intermediate TeleWeb Virtual Seminar on Jan. 27, 2009, from 2-4:30 p.m. ET.
Although nanotechnology is still an emerging field and the enthusiasm for the potential societal benefits of engineered nanomaterials continues, AIHA said, concerns have been raised about whether our knowledge of possible health risks is keeping pace with industries that currently utilize nanoscale materials. Some nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes) are being assessed as potential hazards in occupational environments but also are being explored for therapeutic applications. Thus, an understanding of toxicologic and biocompatible properties of nanomaterials in a variety of exposure settings is critical.
This TeleWeb will present current state of the science regarding the particle characteristics and exposure/dose metrics that most influence toxicity for different nanomaterials. Characteristics of particle physicochemistry, as well as exposure metrics (e.g., particle mass, number, surface area concentrations) that have been correlated with toxicity of nanoparticles will be examined. Historical knowledge of incidental nanoparticles and how this information can be translated into a better understanding of the hazards of engineered nanoparticles will be reviewed. Research on the health effects of carbon nanotubes will be presented as a case study to illustrate how understanding particle physicochemistry is critical for assessing the hazards of engineered nanomaterials.
Featured speakers include Amy Madl, MS, DABT; Vincent Castranova, Ph.D.; and Kent Pinkerton, Ph.D. For registration information, Click Here.