1 M. Nomura, H. Tobita, K. Suzuki: Emulsion Polymerization: Kinetic and Mechanistic Aspects -- 2 F.J. Schork, Y. Luo, W. Smulders, J.P. Russum, A. Butté, K. Fontenot: Miniemulsion Polymerization -- 3 P.Y. Chow, L.M. Gan: Microemulsion Polymerizations and Reactions -- 4 S. Kawaguchi, K. Ito: Dispersion Polymerization -- 5 K.A. Kennedy, G.W. Roberts, J.M. DeSimone: Heterogeneous Polymerization of Fluoroolefins in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide -- .In this special volume on polymer particles, recent trends and developments in the synthesis of nano- to micron-sized polymer particles by radical polymerization (Emulsion, Miniemulsion, Microemulsion, and Dispersion Polymerizations) of vinyl monomers in environmentally friendly heterogeneous aqueous and supercritical carbon dioxide fluid media are reviewed by prominent worldwide researchers. In addition to the important challenges and possibilities with regards to design and preparation of functionalized polymer particles of controlled size, the topics described are of great current interest due to the increased awareness of environmental issues.