Needs and challenges for assessing the environmental impacts of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs)

Abstract

The potential environmental impact of nanomaterials is a critical concern and the ability to assess these potential impacts is top priority for the progress of sustainable nanotechnology. Risk assessment tools are needed to enable decision makers to rapidly assess the potential risks that may be imposed by engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), particularly when confronted by the reality of limited hazard or exposure data. In this review, we examine a range of available risk assessment frameworks considering the contexts in which different stakeholders may need to assess the potential environmental impacts of ENMs. Assessment frameworks and tools that are suitable for the different decision analysis scenarios are then identified. In addition, we identify the gaps that currently exist between the needs of decision makers, for a range of decision scenarios, and the abilities of present frameworks and tools to meet those needs.

Introduction to Bioinspired Nanomaterials

“…Such methodologies involve self-assemblies, nano-bio interactions and template mediated designing with biomolecules. Such methods can effectively control the sizes and shapes of the NMs [15,18,19]. This new method acquires high selectivity with the molecular building blocks assembly at different scales of NMs synthesis.…”

Risk assessment of nano-flame retardants coating in the selected construction industry of iran by control banding approach

“…[ 15 ] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in a pilot study on engineered nano-materials developed the application of a web-based, interactive decision support tool and collected information about the risk potential of using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in flame-retardant coatings in upholstery textiles. [ 16 17 ]…”

Evaluating environmental risk assessment models for nanomaterials according to requirements along the product innovation Stage-Gate process

“…[10][11][12][13][14] Several reviews of decision support tools or environmental assessment models available for nanomaterials are published. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] In 2012, Brouwer 16 discussed similarities and differences between six control banding approaches proposed for nanomaterials, Grieger et al 15 evaluated eight alternative tools proposed for environmental risk assessment of nanomaterials against ten criteria cited as important by various sources, including transparency, precaution and life cycle perspective, and Hristozov et al 18 discussed the value of tools for risk assessment and management of nanomaterials considering limitations and uncertainties in key areas such as data availability. Later in 2016, Hristozov et al 17 extended their analysis to 48 tools, assessing potential utility for different aspects of risk assessment against 15 published stakeholder needs including nano-specific requirements, life cycle approach, preassessment phase, and exposure-driven approach.…”

“…Romero-Franco et al 20 in 2017 evaluated the applicability of 18 existing models for assessing the potential environmental and health impacts of nanomaterials based on six decision scenarios, describing common situations of different stakeholders from manufacturers to regulatory bodies who need to make decisions in matters concerning environmental health and safety of nanomaterials. For all decision scenarios, at least one existing tool was identified as capable of partly meeting the needs.…”