Nanotechnology is a system of innovative methods for controlling and manipulating matter at the near-atomic scale to produce engineered materials, structures, and devices. Engineered nanoparticles are generally considered to be a class or subset of nanomaterials with at least one dimension that is approximately 1 to 100 nanometers. The specific attractive properties of nanomaterials have led to their widespread application in many sectors, such as medicine, consumer products, energy, materials, and manufacturing. On the other hand, there is an increasing interest in incidental nanoparticle exposure, not intentionally produced by anthropogenic sources, namely, processes involving combustion, welding, or diesel engines.

However, the limited knowledge regarding nanoparticle toxicological profiles, the potential greater biological reactivity due to the high-surface area-size ratio, and the increased likelihood of human exposure has raised several concerns about the potential adverse health effects for general and occupational exposed population.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that seek to define the nanomaterial interactions with biological systems that could be relevant in understanding the implications of nanoparticle exposure for the workers' health. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Interactions of incidental or engineered nanoparticles with cells and subcellular structures, namely, cellular endocytosis, transcytosis, and cytotoxic and genotoxic effects
• Effects of incidental or engineered nanoparticles administered on animal models, with a particular focus on the nanoparticle biokinetic behavior according to different routes of exposure
• Definition of early biomarkers of nanoparticle exposure health effects which could be of significant relevance in establishing biological monitoring and future health surveillance protocols for exposed workers
• Evaluation of potential health effects in nanoparticle occupationally exposed subjects
• Environmental monitoring of airborne nanoparticles in occupational settings
• Analysis of investigation findings that could contribute to occupational risk assessment and management and possible implications for the regulatory system
• Designing out hazards from nanomaterials

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnm/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: