What is nano-toxicology?

Nanotoxicology is the study of the toxicity of nanomaterials. Because of quantum size effects and large surface area, nanomaterials have unique properties compared with their larger counterparts . The nanomaterials, even when they are made of inert elements like gold, become very active at a nanometer range. Nanotoxicological studies are intended to determine whether and to what extent these may pose a threat to the environment and to human beings. For instance, Diesel nanoparticles have been found to damage the cardiovascular system in a mouse model.