Current situation and future prognosis of health, safety and environment risk assessment of nanomaterials in South Africa

The commercialisation and everyday use of nanomaterials nanomaterial-enabled products (NEPs) is rising year-on-year. Responsible development nanotechnology includes understanding their potential implications on health, safety, the environment (HSE). health risk assessment has therefore become one major activities international agencies including Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development Environmental Protection Agency protection human environment. Nationally, with foresight leadership Department Science Innovation, a HSE programme was initiated to establish necessary infrastructure conduct tests in hazard identification exposure that are needed synthesised as well NEPs available South Africa. Here we present advances have been made elucidating different facets required when undertaking assessments nanomaterials, i.e. physicochemical characterisation, identification, effects assessment. These increasingly being considered throughout life cycles NEPs. Africa's research contribution an risks highlighted future direction generate information effective communication management provided. This will assist ensuring safer innovation Africa support export locally manufactured per requirements.Significance: Significant contributions nanomaterial knowledge base highlighted. standardised testing methodologies ecological through discussed. paper contributes