Our EWC seminar on this Friday, Mar 23, will feature Dr. Jamie Bonner from the NCSU Toxicology program. He will discuss: “Impact of emerging nanotechnologies on human health and the environment.” An abstract and bio are included below. Please join us in Mann 304 from 12:50-1:40pm.

Abstract: Unprecedented global investment in innovative nanoscale science and engineering termed ‘nanotechnology’ has led to the production and utilization of novel materials in expanding fields of electronics, medicine, and composites. Incorporation of advanced nanomaterials into existing products through functionalization reactions improves performance, durability and efficiency in various consumer markets. However, health and environmental hazards of these critical nanomaterials during production, distribution, formulation, use, and disposal have raised concerns. The consequences of human exposure to nanomaterials after inhalation exposure will be discussed, along with release and fate of nanomaterials in the environment. Linking real-world exposures across the lifecycle of engineered nanomaterials to potential adverse health effects will provide regulators with the data needed for effective risk assessment.

Bio: James Bonner, Ph.D., is a Professor of toxicology at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in Raleigh, North Carolina. His research on lung disease susceptibility to engineered nanomaterials is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Bonner’s work focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of nanoparticle-induced pulmonary fibrosis, allergic airway disease, and lung cancer using a combination of in vivo transgenic mouse models and in vitro cell culture systems. He participates in the U.S.-European program entitled ‘Safe Implementation of Innovative Nanoscience and Nanotechnology’ (SIINN) aimed at understanding the risks of nanomaterials on human health and the environment. He is also U.S. representative for the World Health Organization (WHO) panel for drafting a criteria document on the immunotoxicity of engineered nanomaterials. He is active in the Society of Toxicology (SOT) and served as President of the Nanotoxicology Specialty Section within the SOT. He has published numerous research articles on environmental lung diseases and is co-editor of a book entitled “The Toxicology of Carbon Nanotubes”. Dr. Bonner serves as a training mentor for graduate students, undergraduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in toxicology research.