There is growing concern about the safety of nanotechnology, largely because there is little good information about the risks it poses. Nanotubes can be purchased on the Internet and the accompanying safety information compares them to graphite or any other nuisance dust. Varying research results may only add to the confusion. More than 600 consumer products now claim to use nanotechnology, including some that are applied directly to the skin as in some sunscreens, or in everything from teddy bears to chopsticks that contain silver nanoparticles for its antimicrobial properties. Even foods may soon contain them. This seems alarming but it is helpful to remember that there are many naturally occurring nanoscale particles in our environment, many of which are harmless. Others, however, such as the nanoparticles in diesel exhaust, cause health problems. Nanoparticle versions of a material can behave differently than larger sized particles, and can be far more harmful due to the large surface area, relative to size, of a nanoparticle. Atoms on the surface are more reactive. Animal research suggests that nanoparticles may also accumulate in human tissues and cause inflammation, and may even move across cell membranes. Many governments take the position that firms are responsible for the safety of the nanotechnologies they produce, but this is problematic as there is no guidance for companies as to what tests are needed. Another concern is what happens at 'the end of their lives.' If they enter the groundwater, for instance, what effect will they have? Some hope that insurers will demand more certainty from companies. Scientists call for more coordination in research so it is 'less patchy.' Research efforts are slower than is prudent, many claim. 100 million USD per year is needed in the U.S. to fund research into how to measure exposure, and nanoparticle toxicity, among other areas, and to develop guidelines on how to work safely with nanoparticles. Development of a common terminology and basic skills and tools is an important starting point for nanotechnology safety research. Stifling of innovation must be avoided, and a big health scare could do just that. Developing a working framework to predict what is likely to be hazardous would focus research on profitable areas.