In addition to the effect of nanoparticles and nanomedicine on humans, there is also an effect on the environment. Whilst the nanoparticles themselves do not create a great deal of wastage, the volume of materials used in synthesizing them can produce upwards of thousands of tons of wastage each year.

It has already been discussed that the toxicology of nanoparticles can vary immensely depending on their environment, even between animals (for example mice and humans). The study of nanoparticle toxicology with regards to their disposal is something that has not been researched to its full potential and must be explored further before any assumptions can be made about the safety of disposing of them. 36
As with any developing branch of science, careful consideration must also be given to the environmental implications and effect on human health as a result of using gold nanostructures in biomedical applications, as well as ensuring that usage is controlled and available for medical use only, and not for personal advancement.

An area which is in need of further research is that of gold nanostructures in the detection of cancer and tumours. Currently, the majority of studies have focussed on using such structures in the treatment, whether it is photothermal therapy or the release of anti-cancer drugs upon NIR irradiation. Those few studies which have explored the use of nanostructures in diagnosis have simultaneously investigated their use in photothermal therapy. This is now known to be a particularly effective method of treatment, and so it could be suggested that the focus now needs to shift towards developing nanostructures in the diagnosis of cancer and tumours, and applying existing structures to such methods.