Nanotechnology and Exposure Science What Is Needed To Fill the Research and Data Gaps for Consumer Products

Abstract

This article discusses the gaps in our understanding of human exposures to nanoparticles stemming from the use of nanotechnology-based consumer products by the general public. It also describes a series of steps that could be taken to characterize such exposures. The suggested steps include classification of the nanotechnology-based products, simulation of realistic exposure patterns, characterization of emissions, analysis of the duration of activities resulting in exposures, and consideration of the bioaccessibility of nanoparticles. In addition, we present a preliminary study with nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders where particle release was studied under realistic powder application conditions. The data demonstrated that when nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders were used, there was a potential for inhaling airborne particles ranging in size from tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers.

Release of airborne particles and Ag and Zn compounds from nanotechnology-enabled consumer sprays: Implications for inhalation exposure

“…While the introduction of nanomaterials into consumer products provides various desired or claimed properties, because of their widespread use there is concern regarding the potential environmental and human health effects due to the release of and exposure to nanoparticles (Beddow et al, 2014;Dunphy Guzman et al, 2006;Hansen et al, 2008;Lioy et al, 2010;Majestic et al, 2010;Maynard and Aitken, 2007;McCall, 2011;von Goetz et al, 2013b). Concerns about nanoparticles in consumer products are amplified by studies showing toxicological potential of Ag, ZnO, and TiO2 nanoparticles (Cho et al, 2011;De Jong et al, 2013;Elsaesser and Howard, 2012;Kao et al, 2012;Sung et al, 2008;Warheit et al, 2009;Zhang et al, 2014).…”

“…Concerns about nanoparticles in consumer products are amplified by studies showing toxicological potential of Ag, ZnO, and TiO2 nanoparticles (Cho et al, 2011;De Jong et al, 2013;Elsaesser and Howard, 2012;Kao et al, 2012;Sung et al, 2008;Warheit et al, 2009;Zhang et al, 2014). Therefore, it is essential to assess exposures of the general public to nanoparticles and then use the information to improve our understanding of environmental and human health risks (Elsaesser and Howard, 2012;Lioy et al, 2010;Thomas et al, 2006). Consumer exposure to nanoparticles can occur via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal pathways, but inhalation is considered the most likely way to introduce nanoparticles into the human body (Biskos and Schmidt-Ott, 2012).…”

Potential for Inhalation Exposure to Engineered Nanoparticles from Nanotechnology-Based Cosmetic Powders

“…Initial nanomaterial ingredients in consumer products might be chemically and physically modified through interactions with other ingredients in the product or through nanoparticle surface treatment during production, which may also affect their toxicity ( Kessler 2011 ; Warheit et al 2005 ). Therefore, properties of original nanomaterial ingredients cannot serve as the sole basis for predicting exposure and health effects of a particular nanotechnology-based consumer product ( Lioy et al 2010 ; Maynard 2007 ). The size distribution of aerosol particles released and potentially inhaled during product use may also depend on the composition of the product, which in turn would affect the deposition of nanomaterial(s) in the respiratory system.…”

“…Release of airborne silver nanoparticles during propellant-facilitated spraying of one nanotechnology-based silver spray was also shown in another study ( Hagendorfer et al 2010 ). The magnitude and prevalence of such exposures and associated risks are still unknown ( Bradford et al 2009 ; Keenan et al 2009 ; Lioy et al 2010 ).…”

Exposure science and its places in environmental health sciences and risk assessment: why is its application still an ongoing struggle in 2014?

“…The first questions that need to be addressed are: Is there any exposure to those nanomaterials and, if so, which components, amounts and forms, and for what uses? 20 There are many other examples of situations and conditions that demand better exposure characterizations. Another example is phthalates.…”