Potential human health and environmental risks evolve as our various technological developments also grow and change. One of those newer technologies is the use of engineered nanomaterials.
While natural nanomaterials have been present since our planet was formed (volcanic emissions, sea spray, etc.), engineered nanomaterials are relatively new. In 1959, the physicist Richard Feynman laid the scientific foundations for the nanomaterial revolution (Source: EUON).
Nanotechnology Growth and Applications
According to Fortune Business Insights, as of 2025, the global nanotechnology market was valued at $105.79 billion (US Dollars).
The applications of nanotechnology are enormous and range from agriculture to military, automotive, and more. Some specific applications for nanomaterials include body armor, eyeglasses, solar energy, sporting equipment, catalysis to boost chemical reactions, smartphones, a variety of medical applications, personal care products, and much more. See the National Nanotechnology Initiative (US).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency awarded over one million dollars to a university for research to develop and demonstrate nanosensor technology that has the potential to detect, monitor, and degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater or surface water that may be used as drinking water sources.
Canada will evaluate whether nanomaterials meet any of the criteria as set out in paragraphs 64(a), (b), or (c) of CEPA.
Size of Nanomaterials
The Government of Canada summary document provides this perspective on the scale: “A nanometer is one billionth of a meter, 0.000000001 or 10-9 meters. For example, a human hair is approximately 80,000 to 100,000 nanometers wide, and a strand of human DNA is approximately 2.5 nanometers wide.” Think atoms and molecules.
Canada’s Framework for Nanomaterials
With the growth in engineered nanotechnologies, governments around the world are evaluating the potential human health and environmental risks associated with this technology. In March 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada published the Framework for the Risk Assessment of Manufactured Nanomaterials under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), 1999.
According to the publication, the purpose of the document is to establish a framework for the risk assessment of nanomaterials. “The framework describes the human health and environmental risk assessment approaches and considerations that are modified from risk assessment methods traditionally used for chemical substances under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). This framework provides guidance on how (nanomaterials) are to be assessed for their risk to human health and the environment under CEPA, based on NM-specific hazards and relevant routes of exposure when possible.”
The framework provides guidance on how to account for the novel properties exhibited by substances at the nanoscale in accordance with the (International) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recommendation.
The specific considerations for nanomaterials risk assessment include:
- 3.3 Data considerations for the risk assessment of nanomaterials.
- 3.4 Ecological and human health approaches to characterize fate and exposure to nanomaterials.
- 3.5 Ecological and human health approaches to characterize the effects of nanomaterials
- 3.6 Risk characterization of nanomaterials.
You can read more details in the approximately 60-page document.
Potential Risks of Engineered Nanomaterials
What are the human health and environmental concerns with nanomaterials? Currently, there are not sufficient data available to answer these questions. According to the World Health Organization, knowledge on human health and environmental aspects is “limited and many uncertainties remain.”
Cornell University provides the following: “Engineered nanomaterials (including nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanofibers, and nanoscale structures between 1–100 nm) may exhibit chemical and physical properties distinct from their bulk counterparts. These materials can become airborne, remain suspended for extended periods, penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract, or bind strongly to skin and surfaces.”
Nanomaterials are widely used, and their application across a wide spectrum of industries appears to be growing. Canada will evaluate whether nanomaterials meet any of the criteria as set out in paragraphs 64(a), (b), or (c) of CEPA. This outcome will determine whether risk management measures are needed.
Environmental Assistance
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For assistance with environmental matters, contact Christopher Paré, P.Geo., at 519-948-7300, Ext. 114.
Alan Hahn drafted this blog. Alan has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and completed a graduate program in Environmental Management. He has worked in environmental management for more than 45 years. He has written hundreds of blogs and articles. His published work includes HazMat Magazine, BizX Magazine, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, GreenStone Partners, Manure Manager Magazine, and Progressive Dairy.
Christopher Paré, P.Geo, reviewed this blog. Chris is a senior geoscientist and manager of Dragun’s Windsor, Ontario, office. Chris has more than 30 years of experience on projects ranging from environmental site assessments (Phase One/Two ESA), excess soils, remedial investigations, soil and groundwater remediation, Permits to Take Water, Records of Site Conditions, vapour intrusion, and site decommissioning. Chris is a frequent speaker, author, and expert witness. See Chris’ bio.
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