Editorial

Toxicology of Nanomaterials: Permanent interactive learning

Paul Borm^1* and Vince Castranova²

• * Corresponding author: Paul Borm p.borm@hszuyd.nl

Author Affiliations

¹ Zuyd University, Centre of Expertise in Life Sciences, PO Box 550, 6400 AN, Heerlen, The Netherlands

² Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, NIOSH Health Effects Laboratory Division Morgantown, West-Virginia, USA

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Particle and Fibre Toxicology 2009, 6:28 doi:10.1186/1743-8977-6-28

Published: 28 October 2009

Abstract

Particle and Fibre Toxicology wants to play a decisive role in a time where particle research is challenged and driven by the developments and applications of nanomaterials. This aim is not merely quantitative in publishing a given number of papers on nanomaterials, but also qualitatively since the field of nanotoxicology is rapidly emerging and benchmarks for good science are needed. Since then a number of things have happened that merit further analysis. The interactive learning issue is best shown by report and communications on the toxicology of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNT). A special workshop on the CNT has now been organized twice in Nagano (Japan) and this editorial contains a summary of the most important outcomes. Finally, we take the opportunity discuss some recent reports from the nanotech literature, and more specifically a Chinese study that claims severe consequences of nanoparticle exposure.