"Many reports have already been written on the subject of nanotechnology. One common theme emerging from these works is the need for more information on exposure, toxicology, and human health, coupled with a call for an information-gathering mechanism, whether voluntary or required. This report draws upon these predecessors and expands on their conclusions to determine the best course of action for California.
Chapter 1 briefly describes nanomaterials, applications, and current policy approaches to nanotechnology. Chapter 2 provides a qualitative and quantitative look at "lessons learned" from past pollutants and how to use environmental policy to inform future decisions affecting human health. Chapter 3 summarizes major findings in toxicology and environmental-health research and characterizes human exposures to nanotechnology materials.
Finally, Chapter 4 considers current regulatory frameworks at the state, federal, and international levels; highlights relevant programs in California; and offers policy recommendations for improving approaches to addressing health risks from nanotechnology. This report focuses on human exposures and health risks. While ecological risks are an additional concern that also informs human health risks, they are generally outside the scope of this report."

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