Progress and Upcoming Challenges of Nano-Safety: Education, Manufacture, and Long-Term Impacts

It has been more than 10 years since the concept of nanotechnology safety (nano-safety) was first proposed and detailed by the Texas State University Nanomaterials Application Center director. The concept of nano-safety has developed in educational efforts that have increased the awareness and competence of graduating students. Much dissemination along multiple paths still needs to be done. This dissemination includes education of incumbent workers as well as students. This article provides a short overview of the need for training in nanosafety followed by a section on the initial efforts to educate students and employees in the safe handling and use of nanomaterials. The challenge that remains is how to address the potential impact of the rapid development of new materials in the field of nanotechnology. Finally, some needed investigations are presented.