As environmental toxicologists, we usually study mechanisms of chemical toxicity after contaminants have been associated with physiological impacts on humans or wildlife.  Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins are two examples of many persistent, widely distributed chemicals, which were discovered decades after dispersal to be a severe health risk to humans and wildlife that are exposed.  Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of chemicals used as flame retardants on consumer products, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a component in the stain-resistant treatment of carpet and upholstery, also present in some paints and polish additives, are found in the environment and are accumulating in the blood and tissues of humans and wildlife.  There is mounting evidence that these compounds pose a serious public health threat; however, the effects and mechanisms of toxicity are poorly understood. Many of these compounds are now subject to governmental regulation of manufacturing and use.  For materials associated with emerging technologies there is an opportunity to investigate interactions with biological systems to determine their safety before they are widely distributed into the environment.

Engineered nanomaterials are one example of an emerging technology; nanotechnology is revolutionary and promises to be widely applied to solve problems facing humanity today.  Some applications include drug therapy, energy storage, agricultural productivity, and environmental contaminant remediation.  However, the environmental health safety of these materials is not known.  We need to take the initiative to assess potential issues associated with these materials prior to mass production and environmental release.