Nanoscience and nanotechnology are ushering in an exciting revolution in research and development. A wide variety of nanoparticles are produced by the controlled assembly of atoms into nanometer-sized structures that perform specific functions. This talk will provide an overview of the synthesis, characterization, structural properties, and intended uses of different classes of synthetic nanoparticles. As resulting new products move through the consumer market, nanoparticles will eventually make their way into soils and the environment. This presentation will give an overview of different types of nanoparticles and materials that are emerging, some of the unique and beneficial properties and functions that these materials possess, and potential routes of dispersion into soils and the environment. Knowing how to deal with the general hazards is based on a long history of research with natural nanomaterials in the environment.  Newly developing analytical techniques promise to help characterize nanoparticles in soils and other complex environmental media.