A lack of scientific knowledge means Australian regulators could be unable to adequately protect humans and the environment from possible risks of nanotechnology, says a new report released by the Australian government today.

While the report says there is no need for major changes to regulatory regimes, critics say the findings suggest nanomaterials are essentially "unregulated" and should be taken off the market until we know how to assess their risk.

The science and industry minister Senator Kim Carr today released the report, commissioned by the Australian Office of Nanotechnology, into the adequacy of nanotechnology regulation.

Adelaide-based toxicologist Dr Sam Bruschi says the report highlights a worrying lack of regulation of nanotechnology.