Building exposure scenarios for safety management of engineered nanomaterials

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have unique physical and chemical properties, which enable effective solutions in many aspects of our lives. They could help diagnose and cure diseases, reduce the environmental impacts or improve the function of consumer goods. However, the same properties which make them remarkable may make them potentially dangerous to humans and the environment. Despite the extensive research in the field of nanotoxicology, there is still not sufficient scientific evidence to make clear conclusions with respect to risk associated with the use of many ENMs. As a result, it is recommended to monitor occupational, consumer and environmental exposure and to control exposure as much as reasonably achievable. Exposure scenarios include a set of information on materials, operation conditions and applied risk management measures, and present a valuable tool for exposure assessment and subsequently for the risk management of ENMs. Building exposure scenarios belongs to one of the main research priorities in nanosafety worldwide, due to the need of harmonized, transferrable and effective data for decision making process. This contribution provides an overview of the state-of-the-art, obstacles and challenges in ENMs exposure scenarios development in the EU and implications for the Czech Republic.