This article discusses concerns around the environmental and health impacts of engineered nanotechnology (ENT) particles. It notes that while ENT has benefits, its effects are still not well understood as it is a new field. The article questions if enough is known about ENT's impacts to ensure safety. It examines contradictory research on ENT's environmental impacts and toxicity. It raises concerns that ENT particles could accumulate and have unknown long term effects on climate or enter the food chain. The article argues more research is needed on ENT's environmental and health impacts before widespread use to assure public safety.
IPEN, NTN, RLANS: Social and Environmental Implications of Nano Development i...Yuyun Ismawati Drwiega
This informational brochure was developed to (i) provide an overview of nanotechnology development in the Asia-Pacific Region; (ii) introduce the social, environmental, and health implications of nanotechnology for workers and consumers in this region; and (iii) to stimulate and strengthen stakeholders’ participation in the global and national discussions on the actions to be implemented by governments, industry, and civil society to lay out a precautionary environment for the safe development of this technology.
Source: http://ipen.org/documents/social-and-environmental-implications-nanotechnology-development-asia-pacific
EU-OSHA. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.
The huge scope, novelty, excitement about promised benefits coupled with the uncertainty and low current level of understanding in a rapidly changing scientific field poses significant challenges for risk communication on ENM to workplaces.
• Risk communication strategies need to handle these uncertainties and to be able to adapt to facilitate reframing and redefining of the issues as they change with the emergence of new ENM and scientific knowledge.
• Because there is as yet no outright rejection of nanotechnology, policy- makers have the opportunity to define how to frame communication on ENM to promote a sensible risk management. Once this frame has been found it needs to be used consistently among stakeholders.
• In order to ensure long-term success of risk communication initiatives to workplaces, these should inform decisions that employers make about workplaces and support them in implementing adequate prevention measures; and empower individual workers to exert personal control over their own situations and environments
Presentation from Andreas Hermann, Oeko-Institut, about specific project activity on the risk management measures for nanomaterials, on the "Strategic workshop on nanotechnology" in Brussels,
10th February 2015.
Opportunities And Risks Of NanotechnologiesOpen Knowledge
Both private and public-sector spending for nanotechnologies are constantly increasing. This study reviews the likely economic impact, investment possibilities, and potential risks of nanotechnologies.
IPEN, NTN, RLANS: Social and Environmental Implications of Nano Development i...Yuyun Ismawati Drwiega
This informational brochure was developed to (i) provide an overview of nanotechnology development in the Asia-Pacific Region; (ii) introduce the social, environmental, and health implications of nanotechnology for workers and consumers in this region; and (iii) to stimulate and strengthen stakeholders’ participation in the global and national discussions on the actions to be implemented by governments, industry, and civil society to lay out a precautionary environment for the safe development of this technology.
Source: http://ipen.org/documents/social-and-environmental-implications-nanotechnology-development-asia-pacific
EU-OSHA. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.
The huge scope, novelty, excitement about promised benefits coupled with the uncertainty and low current level of understanding in a rapidly changing scientific field poses significant challenges for risk communication on ENM to workplaces.
• Risk communication strategies need to handle these uncertainties and to be able to adapt to facilitate reframing and redefining of the issues as they change with the emergence of new ENM and scientific knowledge.
• Because there is as yet no outright rejection of nanotechnology, policy- makers have the opportunity to define how to frame communication on ENM to promote a sensible risk management. Once this frame has been found it needs to be used consistently among stakeholders.
• In order to ensure long-term success of risk communication initiatives to workplaces, these should inform decisions that employers make about workplaces and support them in implementing adequate prevention measures; and empower individual workers to exert personal control over their own situations and environments
Presentation from Andreas Hermann, Oeko-Institut, about specific project activity on the risk management measures for nanomaterials, on the "Strategic workshop on nanotechnology" in Brussels,
10th February 2015.
Opportunities And Risks Of NanotechnologiesOpen Knowledge
Both private and public-sector spending for nanotechnologies are constantly increasing. This study reviews the likely economic impact, investment possibilities, and potential risks of nanotechnologies.
As with all materials, if you work with nanoparticles a few minutes of thought about safety will help you avoid problems later. Dr. Dominick Fazarro of the University of Texas at Tyler discusses nanoparticle safety. This talk provides a reasonable discussion of the potential hazards of nanoparticles and steps that can be taken to reduce these hazards.
This talk is useful for those who work with nanoparticles or manage a facility that handles nanoparticles.
Nanotechnologies refer to technologies which exploit the unique properties of tiny particles of nanometre size (millionths of a millimetre).
Nanotechnologies represent a fast-growing market; they are already being used in a variety of technologies and consumer products. (Click here for a list of such products)
However, materials containing nanoparticles may be of concern for human health and the environment, and the risks of these recently developed materials need to be assessed.
Are the existing methodologies to assess these risks appropriate?
B4FA 2012 Ghana: Regulatory Environment for Agricultural Biotechnology in Gha...b4fa
Presentation by Eric Okoree, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ghana
Delivered at the B4FA Media Dialogue Workshop, Accra, Ghana - September 2012
www.b4fa.org
Nano-Biomaterials and Their Biocompatibility in Restorative Dentistry: A Reviewinventionjournals
Human healthcare is facing a major uprising in the wake of ongoing technological expansions in the field of nanotechnology. Incorporation of nanotechnology into dentistry will make possible the maintenance of near perfect oral environment by using nanomaterials, including tissue engineering, and ultimately, dental nanorobots. New potential treatment prospects in dentistry may include: dentition renaturalization and permanent hypersensitivity cure, local anaesthesia, complete orthodontic realignments during a single office visit, covalently bonded diamondised enamel, and oral health maintenance using mechanical dentifrobots, to destroy bacteria in the mouth that cause dental caries or even repair spots on the teeth where decay has set in, by use of computer to direct these tiny workers in their tasks. Nanodentistry still faces many significant challenges in realizing its tremendous potential. There are larger social issues of public acceptance, regulations, ethics and human safety that must be taken into consideration before molecular nano-technology can enter the modern medical armamentarium. However, there is equally powerful motivation to surmount these various challenges such as the possibility of providing high quality dental care to 80% of the population that at present receives no noteworthy dental care. Time, financial and scientific resources, specific advances and human needs will conclude which of the applications to be realized first!
Late Lessons from Early Warnings about Environment & Health Hazards: what can...cccep
If one looks at history, there has often been sufficient science to justify precautionary actions to reduce or eliminate harm from hazardous agents, decades before effective regulatory actions were eventually taken.
Similarly, the histories of well-known technologies, such as X rays, fishing techniques, fossil fuels, and nuclear power, provide lessons for prudent actions on the potential hazards of emerging technologies, such as from nanotechnology, GMO food, radio-frequency from mobile phones, and the new generation of nuclear plants.
In this lecture, Dr David Gee analysed the societal barriers to getting knowledge into action. He also illustrated some ways and means by which science and precautionary measures could be designed and implemented, in order to shorten the time between the first plausible scientific evidence of harm and the first effective initiatives on reducing hazards and risks.
Radioactive waste is an arising concern in present era because of increasing nuclear activities and nuclear weapon activities related to defence. It is a significant problem to handle and protect the environment for safeguarding future generations. This study deals with the global problem of radioactive waste problems and its management. It consists of various aspects related to radioactive waste and also, caters to the cause of concern, effects of radioactive waste, classification and approaches of radioactive waste, involvement of waste magnitudes and prospective solutions, disposal of radioactivity and its management. With increasing nuclear power and arsenal, it is important to monitor and immobilize the waste and safe respositories deposition.
As with all materials, if you work with nanoparticles a few minutes of thought about safety will help you avoid problems later. Dr. Dominick Fazarro of the University of Texas at Tyler discusses nanoparticle safety. This talk provides a reasonable discussion of the potential hazards of nanoparticles and steps that can be taken to reduce these hazards.
This talk is useful for those who work with nanoparticles or manage a facility that handles nanoparticles.
Nanotechnologies refer to technologies which exploit the unique properties of tiny particles of nanometre size (millionths of a millimetre).
Nanotechnologies represent a fast-growing market; they are already being used in a variety of technologies and consumer products. (Click here for a list of such products)
However, materials containing nanoparticles may be of concern for human health and the environment, and the risks of these recently developed materials need to be assessed.
Are the existing methodologies to assess these risks appropriate?
B4FA 2012 Ghana: Regulatory Environment for Agricultural Biotechnology in Gha...b4fa
Presentation by Eric Okoree, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ghana
Delivered at the B4FA Media Dialogue Workshop, Accra, Ghana - September 2012
www.b4fa.org
Nano-Biomaterials and Their Biocompatibility in Restorative Dentistry: A Reviewinventionjournals
Human healthcare is facing a major uprising in the wake of ongoing technological expansions in the field of nanotechnology. Incorporation of nanotechnology into dentistry will make possible the maintenance of near perfect oral environment by using nanomaterials, including tissue engineering, and ultimately, dental nanorobots. New potential treatment prospects in dentistry may include: dentition renaturalization and permanent hypersensitivity cure, local anaesthesia, complete orthodontic realignments during a single office visit, covalently bonded diamondised enamel, and oral health maintenance using mechanical dentifrobots, to destroy bacteria in the mouth that cause dental caries or even repair spots on the teeth where decay has set in, by use of computer to direct these tiny workers in their tasks. Nanodentistry still faces many significant challenges in realizing its tremendous potential. There are larger social issues of public acceptance, regulations, ethics and human safety that must be taken into consideration before molecular nano-technology can enter the modern medical armamentarium. However, there is equally powerful motivation to surmount these various challenges such as the possibility of providing high quality dental care to 80% of the population that at present receives no noteworthy dental care. Time, financial and scientific resources, specific advances and human needs will conclude which of the applications to be realized first!
Late Lessons from Early Warnings about Environment & Health Hazards: what can...cccep
If one looks at history, there has often been sufficient science to justify precautionary actions to reduce or eliminate harm from hazardous agents, decades before effective regulatory actions were eventually taken.
Similarly, the histories of well-known technologies, such as X rays, fishing techniques, fossil fuels, and nuclear power, provide lessons for prudent actions on the potential hazards of emerging technologies, such as from nanotechnology, GMO food, radio-frequency from mobile phones, and the new generation of nuclear plants.
In this lecture, Dr David Gee analysed the societal barriers to getting knowledge into action. He also illustrated some ways and means by which science and precautionary measures could be designed and implemented, in order to shorten the time between the first plausible scientific evidence of harm and the first effective initiatives on reducing hazards and risks.
Radioactive waste is an arising concern in present era because of increasing nuclear activities and nuclear weapon activities related to defence. It is a significant problem to handle and protect the environment for safeguarding future generations. This study deals with the global problem of radioactive waste problems and its management. It consists of various aspects related to radioactive waste and also, caters to the cause of concern, effects of radioactive waste, classification and approaches of radioactive waste, involvement of waste magnitudes and prospective solutions, disposal of radioactivity and its management. With increasing nuclear power and arsenal, it is important to monitor and immobilize the waste and safe respositories deposition.
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Czy jestesmy gotowi na same delivery slideshareFurgonetka.pl
Same day delivery zdobywa na świecie coraz więcej entuzjastów. Jednak sprostanie oczekiwaniom klientów nie jest łatwe. Trzeba pokonać wiele wyzwań – zapewnić niskie koszty wysyłek, nadania międzymiastowe czy odpowiednią logistykę.
Jak radzi sobie z tym Zachód, a jak Polska? Jakie są oczekiwania klientów i jak kształtują się trendy w obsłudze „ostatniej mili”?
The use of modern biotechnology to modify food for human consumption is an undeniable source of unlimited possibilities. These types of technologies allow the development not only of the products themselves but also the optimization in their production process. Nutritionally enhanced crops are undoubtedly a solution to end with worldwide malnutrition as well as to ease some chronic diseases. Other foods, such as microorganisms or dietetic additives, may be a food source which provides nutritious, abundant and environmentally friendly products. Moreover, taking advantage of edible coating in order to preserve food, products can be supplemented with extra properties. This development may certainly be a solution to many society’s problems, but in order to do that, it has first to cope with the skepticism that it supposes.
Les grandes entreprises françaises et l'Open Innovation - Etude bluenove - 2011bluenove
Cette étude a été réalisée en 2011 par bluenove à la suite d’un questionnaire en ligne sur la connaissance et l’appropriation des concepts d’Open Innovation par les entreprises françaises. Les réponses ont été apportées par 144 participants issus de plus de 60 entreprises. Cette étude démontre qu’en 2011 les grandes entreprises françaises abordent véritablement le virage de l’Open Innovation mais sont en retard par rapport à leurs homologues américains. bluenove s’est intéressé aux causes possibles de ce retard et aux solutions à envisager pour le combler.
Making Predictive Analytics Practical: How Marketing Can Drive EngagementProgress® Sitefinity™
Watch the full webinar recording here: http://goo.gl/4AdwiC
Nearly every marketer is coming to the realization that the future includes some combination of Big Data and predictive analytics. But how do you get there? Having the data is one thing, but understanding it and making it work for you is something else completely. Join Rowan Curran, Business Technology Researcher at Forrester Research, and Robert Mattson, Director of Product Marketing at Telerik, as they discuss recent research and real-life examples on the state of marketing and predictive analytics.
You will learn:
• How predictive analytics can drive more engaging personalized experiences
• What tools companies are using to build better contextualization for their customers
• The need for prescription in analytics
Although nanotechnology has been recognized as an enabling technology, human and environmental exposure to nanomaterials is inevitable. As such, the need to ensure that the technology and its various applications are safe is paramount. The current concern on the risks of nanotechnology tends to specialize in the potential dangers of nanomaterials and nanoparticles. The ability to predict and mitigate potential health effects is crucial for sustainability of nanotechnology. This paper introduces the reader to safety in nanotechnology. Matthew N. O. Sadiku | Uwakwe C. Chukwu | Abayomi Ajayi-Majebi | Sarhan M. Musa "Essence of Nanosafety" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-1 , December 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd47873.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/other-scientific-research-area/other/47873/essence-of-nanosafety/matthew-n-o-sadiku
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Business and Management. IJBMI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Business and Management, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The IOSR Journal of Pharmacy (IOSRPHR) is an open access online & offline peer reviewed international journal, which publishes innovative research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, short communications and notes dealing with Pharmaceutical Sciences( Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and Molecular Drug Design, Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacy Practice, Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, Cell Biology, Genomics and Proteomics, Pharmacogenomics, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology of Pharmaceutical Interest........more details on Aim & Scope).
All manuscripts are subject to rapid peer review. Those of high quality (not previously published and not under consideration for publication in another journal) will be published without delay.
Piacenza, October 14, 2011
"Innovating Food, Innovating the Law"
Conference
ALBERTO ALEMANNO (École des hautes études commerciales de Paris,
France)
Regulating Emerging Risks: The case of nano-food applications and animal cloning in food production
Video: http://vimeo.com/31450146
The Threats and Benefits of ScienceScience is a broad subject th.docxchristalgrieg
The Threats and Benefits of Science
Science is a broad subject that is essential in the organizing of knowledge by providing explanations and predictions. The practicality of science has revolutionized the world since the scientific revolution era. This subject has numerous branches that are vital to human beings and inseparable from the analysis of life facts. Science is attributed to a vast range of technological changes that are crucial to human life because of the practical applications of the subject (Haack, 2011). However, some threats emanated from the study and application of scientific principles and pose a significant risk to human sustainability. Therefore, the analysis of the pros and cons of science is necessary to establish the precise implications of this subject. Although science has both advantages and disadvantages, its benefits in enhancing the solution of health problems and technology outweigh the threats.
Science facilitates the simplification of life. Scientific knowledge has been significant to the world by enhancing the inventions of different objects that are crucial to human beings. Scientific principles have been applied in the manufacturing industry and the generation of energy such as electricity. These products have provided immense assistance to human efforts which have simplified most of the life activities. Furthermore, life has become comfortable, safe and secure through the aid of scientific technologies (Von Schomberg, 2012). Many of the strains that people faced in the pre-scientific era obtained solution when the concepts of this subject were efficiently applied. For instance, the evolution of the textile industry depended on science and led to the production of a wide range of clothing that fits people from different geographic and climatic regions. Therefore, this evidence indicates that science has been beneficial in making life easier by increasing accessibility to particular necessary requirements of sustainability.
Science has revolutionized the communication system to make its fast, secure and cost-effective. The discoveries that have their origin in the scientific principles have a significant impact on the communication technologies. The invention of phones, televisions, radios and other communication equipment has transformed most of the life systems concerning efficient sending and receiving of messages. The modern world relies on communication for a wide range of applications including social and economic practices. Business activities are fostered and also the interpersonal interactions. Globalization has been a significant trend in the world increasing the accessibility of information. This aspect has influenced the exchange of ideas on a worldwide platform and increased the education of people on key societal issues that have social and economic significance. Therefore, science is evidently a crucial boost to the communication advancement that is responsible for the efficiency of the moder ...
2. www.samedanltd.com 43
that introducing natural nanoparticles
into the atmosphere can create changes.
However,these alterations are controlled
and expected,and are created by the
perfectly-timed release of precise
concentrations of nanoparticle,into a
specific area.Distribution is organised
so as to prevent sedimentation and
agglomeration (10).
Clearly,all of these factors would be out
of human control if an accumulation of
discarded ENTs were to build-up in the
atmosphere,creating unknown outcomes.
Again,it may seem a far-fetched approach,
but ENTs are – according to Nanopollution:
Hype or Health Risk? – a“persistent form of
pollution which is too small to detect or
contain easily”,leaving high potential for
them to accumulate in the atmosphere
(11).
Nanopollution
The ENT industrial process produces
waste and by-products,and many
ENTs are used in everyday goods –
for example,lubricants and sports
equipment,such as fullerenes.Inevitably,
small amounts of these molecular
spheres will end up in landfill.When
this happens,they are exposed to the
environment,contaminating the air,
water supply and soil.This is an issue
because fullerenes are completely
non-biodegradable,as are lots of other
commonly used ENTs.And,crucially,at
the present time,there are no effective
methods for determining the quantity of
nanoparticles in the environment (11).
The combination of unknown and
potentially ever-changing properties
with the non-biodegradable nature
of ENTs,along with lack of effective
detection and removal techniques (12),
makes a build-up of ENTs over time
inevitable.How long would it take to
arrive at a scenario where ENTs begin
changing the climate of the earth?
Fundamental Differences
Using experiments designed to study
natural nanoparticles has another issue:
there are fundamental differences
between natural nanoparticles and
signs surrounding nanotoxicity are
serious and warrant a precautionary
approach to the commercialization of
all products containing nanomaterials...
there should be a moratorium on the
further commercial release of sunscreens,
cosmetics and personal care products
that contain engineered nanomaterials,
and the withdrawal of such products
currently on the market,until adequate
public,peer-reviewed safety studies
have been completed,and adequate
regulations have been put in place”(6).
Widespread Exposure
The pro-ENT scientists argue that
humans are exposed to nanoparticles
every day,and from natural sources
too – volcanic eruptions,for example,
spew huge plumes of volcanic ash high
into the atmosphere,which is then
carried around the world by weather
systems and into the wider environment
(7,8).However,the scientific data
on nanoparticle-filled volcanic ash
clearly show the hugely devastating
environmental effects it can create when
deposited in large amounts.
Despite the fact that volcanic deposits
contain only natural nanoparticles,they
are still problematic when inhaled (22),
and can produce ash clouds so dense
that they create a worldwide cooling
effect.This can result in depleted food
stocks and widespread famine,as was
the case in the Laki fissure system
eruption of 1783 (8).
If naturally occurring nanoparticles
can produce such devastating effects,
what might the outcome of ENTs in the
atmosphere be?
Weather Modification
In addition,ENTs pose a further threat
in the form of possible weather
modification.This is not far-fetched,
as nanoparticle weather modification
technology already exists; cloud seeding
with silver iodide particles is regularly
used in the US today.Authorities at
Lake Almanor,Nevada,have been using
the non-engineered form of silver in a
ground-based,cloud seeding system
since 1953 (10),so there is clear evidence
scientific data to back up the claims.
Quantitative and general risk assessments,
as well as firm data on potential health
impacts for humans,are the very least that
is required for the population to embrace
the technology (3).
A 2011 congressional report,
Nanotechnology and Environment,Health
and Safety: Issues for Consideration,gave
a variety of reasons as to why public
concerns over the safety of ENTs need to
be addressed.These include:
●● “Protecting and improving human
health,safety,and the environment”
●● “Ensuring public confidence in the
safety of nanotechnology research,
engineering,manufacturing and use”
●● “Ensuring that society can enjoy the
widespread economic and societal
benefits that nanotechnology is
believed by many to offer”(4)
Are Fears Unfounded?
Some argue that the public’s fears over
the environmental impact of ENTs,are
simply the result of scaremongering,
and that the science does not back up
the ecotoxicological claims (5).However,
this apprehension is not just felt by the
public – there are numerous examples
of state organisations and governmental
bodies voicing their concerns too.
Nanotechnology and Environment,Health
and Safety: Issues for Consideration
highlights the potential of ENTs to
be ecotoxic,concluding:“Research to
date suggests that some products of
nanotechnology have the potential to
present new or unusual risks to human
health and the environment.For instance,
nanoscale particles may penetrate to
places in the body that are inaccessible
to larger particles; radical changes in
behaviour at the nanoscale may render
harmful materials considered to be safe
in larger-scale and more conventional
forms”(4).
Prominent environmental campaign
groups have also expressed concern
over the use of ENTs,advocating a
“precautionary approach”.In 2008,
Friends of the Earth stated their position
on the use of ENTs:“The early warning
3. www.samedanltd.com44
the nature of CNTs.They vary greatly in
purity,structure,length,surface chemistry,
surface charge and agglomeration
behaviours,so consistency in testing
techniques is tricky (5).
There is a mouse study,however,that
does demonstrate a clear detrimental
effect of ENT exposure on animals.The
experiment introduced CNTs into the
trachea of mice,which caused lung
damage (17).Other studies involving fish
showed a clear negative impact from
CNT exposure (5):spherical fullerenes
were shown to accumulate in cells,
potentially damaging the DNA (18),as
well as causing brain damage (19).
Obviously,these results raise the
question of what then happens when
other animals – including humans – eat
ENT-contaminated fish.The potential for
them to be negatively affected is a very
real possibility and could cause issues
on a worldwide scale (15).In 2008,the
UN Food and Agriculture Organization
reported that 115 million tonnes of fish
were produced for human consumption,
and“globally,fish provides more than 1.5
billion people with almost 20 percent of
their average per capita intake of animal
protein,and 3.0 billion people with at
least 15 percent of such protein”(20).
The rapid and potentially devastating
contamination of millions of people with
ENTs could well become a reality.
Latest Research
From the evidence currently available,
a logical conclusion is that,to prove the
safety of ENTs,every single one needs
to be tested in an agglomerated and
singular state; in as close to real-life
environments as is possible; under every
imaginable climatic variable; and in every
scenario the ENT may encounter.Clearly,
this is not possible.So,in lieu of this kind
of firm data,the public should at least
be reassured that science is working on
a way to improve the scientific methods
used to establish the safety of ENTs and
justify their continued use.But is that the
case?
According to a review of US
nanotechnology research strategy,it
appears to be seriously lacking in a
0.1µg/l (5).However,these large amounts
are necessary in order to promote any
kind of response at all (13).
Unfortunately,this renders the
experiment practically useless,as the
properties of some nanoparticles
make them prone to agglomerating
together.When large amounts of the
nanoparticles are used for investigatory
purposes,agglomeration is more likely
to occur.When this happens,the ENTs
can change their properties,and there is
the potential for them to become more
toxic by altering their bioavailability
(5).This makes any results gleaned
from experiments designed in this way
questionable at best.
Outside the Petri Dish
The external environment is very
different to a petri dish in a controlled
laboratory.Outside the lab,ENTs could
be affected by a number of factors at
once,including differences in salinity,
concentration,the presence of organic
material and pH values – all of which
could cause chemical changes (5).
An example of an ENT and
environmental interaction creating an
unpredictable situation is demonstrated
with C60 fullerenes.When C60 comes
into contact with water-based,naturally
occurring organic materials,they start
to decompose.This alters their shape
and size,which can also change their
properties,making them potentially toxic
(5).
In addition,some ENTs are highly
polymorphic.This characteristic alone
prevents any general statements being
made about their behaviour and fate in
the environment (16).
The Food Chain
With so little known about ENTs,how
can we prevent them from entering the
animal and human food chain? And what
would happen if they did?
Some testing on animals already
exists,but unfortunately it is highly
contradictory.This difference in the
experimental outcomes is likely due to
ENTs.ENTs are uniform in size,structure
and shape,made of pure nanomaterial
and clustered together in large
concentrations (13).
The differences in the physical
characteristics are what give them their
unique properties.For instance,nano-
TiO2 displays photocatalytic activity,
and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have high
tensile strength.This is what makes
ENTs so useful,but also unpredictable
(2).Natural nanoparticles,on the other
hand,are distributed in a diffuse manner
in the environment and are structured
in a random way (13).Surely,these
differences make any extrapolation
of experimental results for natural
nanoparticles to ENTs impossible?
Current Evidence
At present,there is no credible evidence
that nanotechnology has any adverse
effect on the environment.However,that
does not mean that nanotechnology has
no potential for ecotoxicity.In fact,the
reason why ENTs appear safe is probably
due to the lack of funding for relevant
studies;because of this,their effects
have not yet become apparent,and
experiments lack valid scientific tools (14).
The newness of ENT also accounts for the
absence of long-term data.As yet,the
data are simply not in existence,at least
in any credible form,with the result that
science does not know what the effects
on the environment might be over the
coming years (15).
If ENTs are so persistent,with the
potential for build-up,would it not be
prudent to conduct a number of long-
term studies before allowing widespread
use?
Laboratory Testing Problems
The issue with laboratory testing is
that standard procedures utilise ENT
in far higher amounts than those that
would be encountered within the
natural environment.For example,
nanosilver experiments frequently
use concentrations of mg/l,when
risk assessments show current water
concentrations to be in the range of
4. www.samedanltd.com 45
nanotechnology-related environmental,
health, and safety research,
Washington DC, December 2008
15. Which characteristics of
nanoparticles are relevant for health
effects? Visit: ec.europa.eu/health/
scientific_committees/opinions_
layman/en/nanotechnologies/l-2/6-
health-effects-nanoparticles.htm#2
16. Ottofuelling S et al, Commercial
titanium dioxide nanoparticles in
both natural and synthetic water:
Comprehensive multidimensional
testing and prediction of aggregation
behavior, Environmental Science &
Technology 45(23): pp10,045-10,052,
2011
17. Lam CW, James JT, McCluskey R
and Hunter RL, Pulmonary toxicity
of single-wall carbon nanotubes
in mice 7 and 90 days after
intratracheal instillation, September
2003. Visit: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
pubmed/14514958
18. Magrez A et al, Cellular toxicity of
carbon-based nanomaterials, Nano
Lett 6(6): pp1,121-1,125, 2006. Visit:
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.
cgi/nalefd/2006/6/i06/abs/nl060162e.
html
19. Oberdörster E, Manufactured
nanomaterials (fullerenes, c60)
induce oxidative stress in the brain of
juvenile largemouth bass, April 2004.
Visit: www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/
articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&art
id=1247377
20. The State of World Fisheries and
Aquaculture. Visit: www.fao.org/
docrep/013/i1820e/i1820e00.htm
21. Hwang D, Ranking the nations on
nanotech. Visit: http://electroiq.com/
blog/2010/08/ranking-the-nations
www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/
nanotechnology-facts
3. Colvin V, Responsible nanotechnology:
Looking beyond the good news. Visit:
www.eurekalert.org/context.php?co
ntext=nano&show=essays&essayda
te=1102
4. Sargent JF, Nanotechnology and
environmental, health, and safety:
Issues for consideration. Visit: http://
digitalcommons.unl.edu/crsdocs/60
5. Nanotechnology and the environment
– Hazard potentials and risks. Visit:
www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/
spotid=25937.php
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sunscreens and cosmetics: Small
ingredients, big risks, May 2006. Visit:
www.foe.org/projects/food-and-
technology/nanotechnology
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sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/nano/
planet/143.asp
8. How do volcanoes affect world
climate? Visit: www.scientificamerican.
com/article/how-do-volcanoes-
affect-w
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strategies. Visit: http://volcanoes.usgs.
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Ericsson K, Lake Almanor cloud
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11. Soutter W, Nanopolution: Hype or
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14. National Research
Council, Review of
federal strategy for
number of areas,and the following
assertions were made:
●● “Research needs in risk management
and exposure assessment were
‘poorly defined and incomplete’”
●● “Research needs were not presented
as‘concrete,measurable objectives’
and that no explanation was provided
of how success would be measured or
the amount of resources required to
achieve them”
●● The approach used by the Nanoscale
Science,Engineering,and Technology
Subcommittee for its gap analysis“is
flawed and is neither accurate nor
complete in laying a foundation for a
research strategy”(4)
This fairly damning report of the
official strategy for progressing the
development and use of ENTs from
one of the world’s largest producers
and should send alarm bells ringing
(21).As ENT use progresses unabated,
it is imperative that equal amounts of
funding and time are invested in creating
the right tools for collecting the data
needed to adequately evaluate the risks
involved with widespread use of ENTs.
Otherwise,we could enter a scenario that
we are neither prepared for,nor able to,
correct.
Future Use?
Looking at the current evidence available
and the scientific tools in use,the answer
to the first question posed by this article
– whether we have enough evidence
to ensure we are not creating a nano-
nightmare – appears to be a resounding
‘no’.The lack of long-term data,in
addition to effective measurement,
disposal and testing methods for ENTs,
is worrying.This poses a final question:
until we have real answers about the
multitude of concerns regarding ENTs,
surely it would be prudent to consider
putting a halt on their development,
production and use?
References
1. National Nanotechnology Initiative,
What is nanotechnology? Visit: www.
nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition
2. National Nanotechnology Initiative,
Frequently asked questions. Visit:
About the author
Shelley Bowers is Marketing
Executive at Asons Solicitors. She is
an experienced writer in the areas
of law, publishing and medicine –
both allopathic and complementary.
Educated to BSc level, Shelley has
a keen interest in the technological
advances of the modern world of medicine, with a
particular focus on how they impact upon, and interact
with, both the patient and the wider environment.
Email: shelley.bowers@asons.co.uk