Characteristics and classification of nanoparticles: Expert Delphi survey

Abstract

Research needs assessment regarding environmental health and safety (EHS) of nanoparticles is problematic. Generating benchmark data to assess research and policy initiatives seems daunting. This study's findings present more granular and qualitative assessments of expert preferences and concerns. This three-round Delphi study elicits expert estimations of problematic nanoparticle characteristics and classifications from a sample of nanoscience experts in chemistry, EHS policy, engineering, environmental toxicology, and human toxicology (n = 18). The Delphi method is a forecasting tool designed for expert evaluation of events under high degrees of uncertainty. Results demonstrate high concordance indicating favorable consensus among the sample concerning characteristics and classifications of nanoparticles that are potentially or actually problematic to EHS. These findings establish a benchmark for future investigations of expert preferences and concerns.

Keywords::

• Delphi
• expert
• risk assessment
• toxicology
• nanoparticles
• EHS

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (#0809470), a Nanotechnology Interdisciplinary Research Team grant examining how experts and the public understand toxicological information about nanoparticles. The research team includes faculty and students from North Carolina State University, Rice University, University of South Carolina, University of Wisconsin, and University of Minnesota.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.