Emerging technologies and safety concerns: a condensed review of environmental life cycle risks in the nano-world

Abstract

The functionalities of nano-materials are accompanied by features that are in collision with the postulates of environmental friendliness and sustainability. Nano-related research, part of which is nano-safety, is gaining momentum worldwide, but there is a limited body of knowledge about mechanisms such as the degradation, surface modification and transformation of nanoparticles. This study aims to provide a brief survey on the challenges that researchers and engineers face when attempting to assess the environmental impacts of nano-based products. The applicability of the life cycle assessment method to nanotechnology is briefly explored. The advancement of nano-specific life cycle approaches capable of evaluating the sustainability of these emerging technologies depends on further research on material inventories, the energy efficiency of manufacturing processes, the transport and fate of nanoparticles in the environment, health risks and mitigation techniques. Specialized nano-based product-related databases are still needed to track engineered nano-materials (ENMs) in the environment and to facilitate life cycle inventories and assessment. Permissible exposure limits for key ENMs in the workplace and standardized handling protocols for ENMs are not widely available. Properties that increase their toxicity and bioaccumulation are being increasingly investigated. The dissemination of information to the general public related to risk management is rather sporadic, and the suitability of current regulation for controlling environmental pollution by ENM is subject to continued discussion. Taking into account the environment health and safety challenges mentioned, a suitable expertise and information dissemination network is proposed to take the responsible application of nanotechnology forward in the developing world context.