Assessing Nanoparticle Risks to Human Health


Book Description

Assessing Nanoparticle Risks to Human Health provides a systematic overview of nanoparticle risks and considers the limitations of this paradigm in a context where extreme uncertainties prevail. As well as exploring conventional risk assessment methodology, the contributing authors investigate several alternate approaches. The adequacy of current frameworks for risk management and regulatory oversights, including corporate approaches in the US and EU, are explored, and suggestions are made as to how these frameworks can be modified to make them more efficient and effective.Presenting a coherent framework for analysis of the available information, this book presents the latest scientific understanding of the toxicity and health effects of nanoparticles, the technical issues relating to exposure assessment and management, and the ways in which the current risk paradigm can be used/modified to deal with the challenges of nanoparticle risks.All chapters of this new edition have been thoroughly updated to reflect the many changes in the field since the first edition. Additions and updates in the second edition of the book include: - New exposure assessment strategies for nanomaterials including life cycle exposure assessment approaches and detailed information on nanoparticle exposure control and protection in the workplace. - A state-of-the-art scientific update on the hazard and risk assessment of nanomaterials: discussion of key additional publications on the toxicology and biokinetics of nanomaterials; available data and methods to characterize the health hazard and risk of exposure to nanomaterials in the workplace; additional examples of the use of such data and methods to develop occupational safety and health guidance; and discussion of progress to date, ongoing efforts, and remaining challenges in nanomaterials hazard and risk characterization. - New studies on the use of expert judgment in nanotechnology. - Quantitative data from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's 4-phase study. - A description and evaluation of new CB tools and new ISO technical specifications. - A comprehensive update of the legal frameworks in the US and the EU. With the second edition of Assessing Nanoparticle Risks to Human Health Prof. Ramachandran provides researchers and practitioners producing or using nanoparticles, or those involved in nanomaterials risk assessments, technology, health science, policy, safety, environment and regulatory aspects an invaluable reference to adopt the right technologies and strategies and to comply to legal frameworks and regulations. For policy makers and advisory firms it provides the knowledge needed to advise on compliance with or development of new regulations on nanomaterials. - Makes essential reading for risk assessment professionals, companies working with nanoparticles, nanotechnology research groups and regulators - Explores the use of risk assessment methodologies in an occupational health setting, and their limitations - Provides a framework for evidence-based decision making in a context with many uncertainties




Engineered Nanoparticles and the Environment


Book Description

Details the source, release, exposure, adsorption, aggregation, bioavailability, transport, transformation, and modeling of engineered nanoparticles found in many common products and applications Covers synthesis, environmental application, detection, and characterization of engineered nanoparticles Details the toxicity and risk assessment of engineered nanoparticles Includes topics on the transport, transformation, and modeling of engineered nanoparticles Presents the latest developments and knowledge of engineered nanoparticles Written by world leading experts from prestigious universities and companies




Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nanotechnology


Book Description

An increased understanding of the environmental and human health impacts of engineered nanoparticles is essential for the responsible development of nanotechnology and appropriate evidence-based policy and guidelines for risk assessment. Presenting the latest advances in the field from a variety of scientific disciplines, this book offers a comprehensive overview of this challenging, inter-disciplinary research area. Topics covered include: The properties, preparation and applications of nanomaterials Characterization and analysis of manufactured nanoparticles The fate and behaviour of nanomaterials in aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric environments Ecotoxicology and human toxicology of manufactured nanoparticles Occupational health and exposure of nanomaterials Risk assessment and global regulatory and policy responses Understanding the behaviour and impacts of nanotechnology in the environment and in human health is a daunting task and many questions remain to be answered. Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nanotechnology will serve as a valuable resource for academic researchers in nanoscience and nanotechnology, environmental science, materials science and biology, as well as for scientists in industry, regulators and policy makers.




A Research Strategy for Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials


Book Description

The nanotechnology sector, which generated about $225 billion in product sales in 2009, is predicted to expand rapidly over the next decade with the development of new technologies that have new capabilities. The increasing production and use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) may lead to greater exposures of workers, consumers, and the environment, and the unique scale-specific and novel properties of the materials raise questions about their potential effects on human health and the environment. Over the last decade, government agencies, academic institutions, industry, and others have conducted many assessments of the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) aspects of nanotechnology. The results of those efforts have helped to direct research on the EHS aspects of ENMs. However, despite the progress in assessing research needs and despite the research that has been funded and conducted, developers, regulators, and consumers of nanotechnology-enabled products remain uncertain about the types and quantities of nanomaterials in commerce or in development, their possible applications, and their associated risks. A Research Strategy for Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials presents a strategic approach for developing the science and research infrastructure needed to address uncertainties regarding the potential EHS risks of ENMs. The report summarizes the current state of the science and high-priority data gaps on the potential EHS risks posed by ENMs and describes the fundamental tools and approaches needed to pursue an EHS risk research strategy. The report also presents a proposed research agenda, short-term and long-term research priorities, and estimates of needed resources and concludes by focusing on implementation of the research strategy and evaluation of its progress, elements that the committee considered integral to its charge.




Nanomaterials


Book Description

Many potential questions regarding the risks associated with the development and use of wide-ranging technologies enabled through engineered nanomaterials. For example, with over 600 consumer products available globally, what information exists that describes their risk to human health and the environment? What en- neering or use controls can be deployed to minimize the potential environmental health and safety impacts of nanomaterials throughout the manufacturing and product lifecycles? How can the potential environmental and health benefits of nanotechnology be realized and maximized? The idea for this book was conceived at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) on “Nanomaterials: Environmental Risks and Benefits and Emerging Consumer Products. ” This meeting – held in Algarve, Portugal, in April 2008 – started with building a foundation to harmonize risks and benefits associated with nanomaterials to develop risk management approaches and policies. More than 70 experts, from 19 countries, in the fields of risk assessment, decision-analysis, and security discussed the current state-of-knowledge with regard to nanomaterial risk and benefits. The discussion focused on the adequacy of available risk assessment tools to guide nanomaterial applications in industry and risk governance. The workshop had five primary purposes: Describe the potential benefits of nanotechnology enabled commercial products. Identify and describe what is known about environmental and human health risks of nanomaterials and approaches to assess their safety. Assess the suitability of multicriteria decision analysis for reconciling the benefits and risks of nanotechnology.




Engineered Nanoparticles


Book Description

Engineered Nanoparticles: Structure, Properties and Mechanisms of Toxicity is an indispensable introduction to engineered nanomaterials (ENM) and their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Although research in the area of pharmacology and toxicology of ENM is rapidly advancing, a possible correlation between their physicochemical properties and biomedical properties or toxicity is not yet fully understood. This understanding is essential to develop strategies for the safe applications and handling of ENM. The book comprehensively defines the current understanding of ENM toxicity, first describing these materials and their physicochemical properties, and then discussing the toxicological theory and methodology before finally demonstrating the potential impact of ENM on the environment and human health. It represents an essential reference for students and investigators in toxicology, pharmacology, chemistry, material sciences, medicine, and those in related disciplines who require an introduction to ENM and their potential toxicological effects. - Provides state-of-the-art physicochemical descriptions and methodologies for the characterization of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) - Describes the potential toxicological effects of ENM and the nanotoxicological mechanisms of action - Presents how to apply theory to practice in a public health and risk assessment setting




Health and Environmental Safety of Nanomaterials


Book Description

Health and Environmental Safety of Nanomaterials addresses concerns about the impact of nanomaterials on the environment and human health, and examines the safety of specific nanomaterials. Understanding the unique chemical and physical properties of nanostructures has led to many developments in the applications of nanocomposite materials. While these materials have applications in a huge range of areas, their potential for toxicity must be thoroughly understood. Part one introduces the properties of nanomaterials, nanofillers, and nanocomposites, and questions whether they are more toxic than their bulk counterparts. Part two looks at the release and exposure of nanomaterials. The text covers sampling techniques and data analysis methods used to assess nanoparticle exposure, as well as protocols for testing the safety of polymer nanocomposites. It explains characterization techniques of airborne nanoparticles and life cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterials. Part three focuses on the safety of certain nanomaterials, including nanolayered silicates, carbon nanotubes, and metal oxides. In particular, it explores the potential ecotoxicological hazards associated with the different structures of carbon nanotubes and the safe recycling of inorganic and carbon nanoparticles. The final two chapters address the risks of nanomaterials in fire conditions: their thermal degradation, flammability, and toxicity in different fire scenarios. This is a scientific guide with technical background for professionals using nanomaterials in industry, scientists, academicians, research scholars, and polymer engineers. It also offers a deep understanding of the subject for undergraduate and postgraduate students. - Introduces the properties of nanomaterials, nanofillers, and nanocomposites, and questions whether they are more toxic than their bulk counterparts - Covers sampling techniques and data analysis methods used to assess nanoparticle exposure, as well as protocols for testing the safety of polymer nanocomposites - Explores the potential ecotoxicological hazards associated with the different structures of carbon nanotubes and the safe recycling of inorganic and carbon nanoparticles




Nanomaterials for Environmental Protection


Book Description

This book is divided into four main sections thoroughly analyzing the use of nanomaterials for water, air and soil solutions, and emphasizing environmental risks. Providing background on nanomaterials' two-decade study, it discusses the characterization and application of unconventional disinfectants, called antimicrobial nanomaterials, which fall into three categories and, while seemingly harmless, have potential hazards if applied improperly. Special attention is given to the process of remediation, synthetics techniques, and properties of nanomaterials, with examples to which new and trained readers in the field can relate and understand. an interdisciplinary approach, aimed at scientists in physical chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental sciences includes applications of non-conventional techniques in environmental protection furthers the development of applied nanoscience and nanotechnology suggests new industrial projects and university courses addressing nanotechnology in and for the environment includes applications for water, air and soil protection




The ELSI Handbook of Nanotechnology


Book Description

This Handbook focuses on the recent advancements in Safety, Risk, Ethical Society and Legal Implications (ESLI) as well as its commercialization of nanotechnology, such as manufacturing. Nano is moving out of its relaxation phase of scientific route, and as new products go to market, organizations all over the world, as well as the general public, are discussing the environmental and health issues associated with nanotechnology. Nongovernmental science organizations have long since reacted; however, now the social sciences have begun to study the cultural portent of nanotechnology. Societal concerns and their newly constructed concepts, show nanoscience interconnected with the economy, ecology, health, and governance. This handbook addresses these new challenges and is divided into 7 sections: Nanomaterials and the Environment; Life Cycle Environmental Implications of Nanomanufacturing; Bioavailability and Toxicity of Manufactured Nanoparticles in Terrestrial Environments; Occupational Health Hazards of Nanoparticles; Ethical Issues in Nanotechnology; Commercialization of Nanotechnology; Legalization of Nanotechnology.




Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment


Book Description

Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment provide a new, holistic framework for testing and evaluating the potential benefits and risks of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), including their potential socioeconomic impacts, ethical issues and consumers' expectations and fears. The book covers nanomaterial presence in various environments, agroecosystems and other areas within the human sphere of actions. The book includes sections on (i) Chemical, physical and biological properties, (ii) Presence and diffusion of ENMs in human environments, agriculture, food and drug products, (iii) ENMs as a pillar in biological and medical research, and (iv) Social and regulatory issues emerging from years of application. The book is designed to increase awareness to key end-users and stakeholders, including food producers and processors, industry, representatives of society and consumers, and those looking to implement an accurate and effective risk analysis procedure that promotes the sustainable use of nanotechnology. - Assesses both the positive and negative impacts of engineered nanomaterials in the environment - Shows how engineered nanomaterials are used in agricultural environments, food products, drugs and cosmetics - Discusses the unique properties of a range of engineered nanomaterials that lead to their environmental effects