4. How can we detect the toxic potential of nanomaterials?

In addition to the size and shape of nanomaterials, it is essential to characterize their physico-chemical properties in order to determine which parameters influence their biological reactivity.

The classic OECD toxicology and ecotoxicology studies used for chemical substances can be used for nanomaterials, provided that the specific properties of these nanomaterials are taken into account, such as the tendency to aggregate and stick to any surface, which modifies the aerodynamic behavior of the particles and consequently the doses administered and the ADME (see Absorption-Distribution-Metabolization-Excretion (ADME): what is the circuit of a chemical substance in the body?