Biomedical nanotechnology: Occupational views

Nanotechnology is expected to transform biomedical sectors providing more sensitive and specific imaging techniques, nano-devices and nano-robotics for early detection of biochemical changes, targeted and less toxic drug treatments, as well as enhanced supports for regenerative medicine. Although beneficial, some concerns have emerged on the possible adverse impact that nano-enabled applications may have on human health, particularly on workers exposed throughout the product life cycle, due to the still unpredictable toxicological behavior of nano-sized materials. Therefore, for biomedical nano-technological applications to be considered for a “responsible benchtop to the bedside” translation, occupational health implications should be carefully addressed.