The use of the comet assay for the evaluation of the genotoxicity of nanomaterials
The accelerating production and use of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) raises questions about the safety of this new technology. To avoid the possible hazards associated with NMs requires proper regulation. How should toxicity testing be addressed and can standard tests for assessment of safety of chemicals be applied to NMs? What are the major limitations of NM safety testing and is the current regulatory testing strategy suitable also for NMs? Can existing tests be fully adapted or should new methods be developed to suit the unique properties of NMs?