What Are the Key Questions Addressed by Epidemiological Studies?
1. What are the exposure routes and levels? - Studies focus on how individuals are exposed to nanomaterials—whether through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact—and the levels of exposure that occur in different settings.
2. What are the health outcomes? - Researchers look at a range of health outcomes, from respiratory issues to potential carcinogenic effects, to determine the impact of exposure.
3. Who is at risk? - Identifying populations at higher risk, such as workers in nanotechnology industries, helps in developing targeted safety measures.
4. What are the mechanisms of toxicity? - Understanding how nanomaterials interact with biological systems at the molecular level aids in comprehending their potential hazards.
