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ISSN:2249-5347
IJSID
International Journal of Science Innovations and Discoveries
Review Article
An International peer Review Journal for Science
ABSTRACT
Received: 16.09.2011 Modified: 13.10.2011 Published: 29.12.2011
Nanomaterials are invisible to the normal human eye and are visible through microscopes. These are increasingly used for commercial purposes such as fillers, opacifiers, catalysts, semiconductors, cosmetics, micro electronics and drug carriers. Materials in this size range approach the length
*Corresponding Author
scale at which some specific physical or chemical interactions with their environment can occur. Nanotechnology creates improved materials, devices and systems that exploit these new and unique properties to come up with a totally different bulk material with different properties As a result, their properties differ substantially from those bulk materials of the same composition, allowing them to perform exceptional feats of conductivity, reactivity and optical sensitivity. Possible undesirable results of these capabilities are harmful interactions with biological systems and the environment, with the potential to generate toxicity. Risks associated with
current nanosized materials are currently undefined and appear manageable. However, predicted evolution and refinement of nanotechnology in the near future will require the establishment of safety principles and test procedures to ensure safe research, manufacture, use and disposal of nanomaterials. Evaluating these current and future risks of nanotechnology is necessary and achievable. INTRODUCTION Keywords Nanotechnology, Risks, Nanomaterials, Safe Material, Health Concerns, Safety, Occupational Health, Environmental Health
INTRODUCTION
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Challenges introduced by nanotechnology Because of their very small size and large surface area, engineered nanomaterials present certain Safety, Health and Environmental hazards, which are unknown with non-nanomaterials (Figure 2). The concern is that nanomaterials are being used in products or are being considered for other uses without a clear perspective on the Safety, Health and Environmental impact of such uses (Knowles 2006). At the nanoscale, the laws of physics, biology and chemistry merge and the behavior of these small particles changes, such as their mobility in the environment, reactivity, toxicity and ability to enter the human body (Hett 2004).Notwithstanding the bright
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Dealing with environmental health and safety issues accrued from nanotechnology is complex and not an easy task (Hull 2007). Many organizations in nanotechnology have no clarity on the present regulations set by the federal and state government on environmental health and safety. This comes as studies reveal that the toxic substances control act, resource conservation and recovery act among others have a direct mandate on the nanotechnology (Hull 2007).
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http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/default.html 13. Oberdrster, Gnter; et al ; Principles for characterizing the potential human health effects from exposure to nanomaterials: elements of a screening strategy. Particle and Fibre Toxicology;2005; 2: 8. doi:10.1186/17438977-2-8. PMC 1260029. PMID 16209704.;Available at http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1260029. 14. Porter, Alexandra E et al ; Visualizing the Uptake of C60 to the Cytoplasm and Nucleus of Human MonocyteDerived Macrophage Cells Using Energy-Filtered Transmission Electron Microscopy and Electron Tomography. Environmental Science & Technology;2007; 41 (8): 30127 15. Ranallo A. (2011) Lack of nanotechnology regulation a danger to human health, environment; Institute of Agriculture and Trade policy, Rapid commercialization continues while dearth of information, testing keeps regulators, consumers in the dark. Accesses on 16th Nov, 2011 at http://www.iatp.org/documents/lack-ofnanotechnology-regulation-a-danger-to-human-health-environment 16. Shaw , G.K. ; Survey Shows Confusion On Protecting Nano Workers; New haven independent;2011;Available at http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/ survey_shows_confusion_on_protecting_nano_workers/id_39859
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www.nanoclarity.com 18. Skoloda J.; Environmental & safety issues: Nanotechnology, the New Buzz Word; 2006; Available at http://www.industrialheating.com/Articles/Column/1828d8f28026e010V gnVCM100000f932a8c0 19. Swiss Re. (2004).Nanotechnology: Small matter, many unknowns. Geneva, Author. The Royal Academy of Engineering. 20. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Office of Technical Assistance and Technology; The Big Picture: Safe Development of Nanotechnology, Proceedings from the workshop held in November 2007 21. The Royal Society; Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: Opportunities & uncertainties; 2006; Retrieved from http://www.nanotec.org.uk/report/chapter 5.pdf. 22. Tran, L. & Donaldson, K; Toxicological & health effects; 2004; Retrieved from http://www.uc. edu/ noehs/ pdf/ wednesday/ tranCinti%20Toxicology%20and% 20 Health%20 Effects % 20LT%2051206.pdf. 23. Zhi Chen et al; A review of environmental effects and management of nanomaterials; 2011;Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry; Vol 93;Issue 6.
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