Non-animal approach to predict impact of nanomaterials on human lung

(Nanowerk News) A compilation of recommendations from a 2015 workshop organized by the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. appears in a report in Archives of Toxicology ("Expert consensus on an in vitro approach to assess pulmonary fibrogenic potential of aerosolized nanomaterials").
Inhalation is one of the most prominent routes by which humans are exposed to nanomaterials, and well-designed non-animal methods can effectively predict their impact on the human lung. Therefore, international experts in the field of inhalation toxicology gathered at the EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., to discuss the design of a non-animal system to assess the toxicity of nanomaterials, particularly multi-walled carbon nanotubes. As an outcome of the workshop, the Science Consortium is currently funding the initial development of the recommended in vitro system.
The report summarizes the workshop discussions and recommendations. The workshop also resulted in a topical review describing aerosol generation and exposure tools that was recently published in Particle and Fibre Toxicology. Scientists from the Consortium are co-authors on both publications.
"The PETA International Science Consortium is grateful to the international experts who helped make the workshop and subsequent publications a success," said Dr. Amy Clippinger, associate director of the Science Consortium and lead author of the workshop report.
Source: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals