No abstract

No abstract

Nanotechnology is about discovering, developing and using materials consisting in their primary stage at a size within the low nanometer range. These ultrafine particles offer new properties and opportunities. Although the synthesis of nanoparticles has been discovered during the last decades, exposure of humans to ultrafine particles occurred long before, as ultrafine particles in ambient air are generated during combustion processes. Within this chapter only engineered nanoparticles are considered, because much potential and hopes are associated with these new materials but much nescience is existing about their possible adverse effects to life or environment. At workplaces, during manufacturing, in technical applications or in drugs, nanoparticles will frequently have biological side effects which have to be well balanced against their advantages, before they can be used without concern. Therefore, information about safety and potential hazards is urgently needed. Along with the technical development of nanoparticles a public discussion has started, leading to extensive investigations on possible negative side effects on human health. Research activities have been strengthened in departments for environmental toxicology, hygiene institutes and other academic facilities to identify hazard and risks during handling and use of these new materials. On the other hand, as described within the other chapters, nanotechnology offers the promise of improved characterisation of environmental problems through improved detection and monitoring capabilities, significantly reduced environmental effects from cleaner manufacturing and synthesis approaches that result in a reduction or elimination of wastes and reduced energy use, and unique solutions for remediation and the treatment of pollutants. However, the potential impact of manufactured nanomaterials used in various applications also needs to be evaluated in the context of human health with regard to potential toxicology and routes of exposure, environmental effects, including fate, transport, transformation, bio‐availability, and bio‐accumulation, and an analysis of product life cycle.

No abstract

No abstract