R1 AM Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Impacts
Thursday, 17 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 11:40 AM in Ballroom 1

(HAN-1117-791093) State-of-the-art Critical Review of the Potential Hazards of Manufactured Nanomaterials.

Hansen, S¹, Krayer von Krauss, M¹, Baun, A¹, ¹ Center of Environmental Assessment of Nanotechnology, Institute of Environment & Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

ABSTRACT- "When the very small becomes very big" is often how NanoScience and Technology (NST) is described - big opportunities, big business and big potential impacts on our future. Until recently the potential negative impacts of NST on human health and the environment were rather speculative and unsubstantiated. However, within the past years, a number of studies have indicated that exposure to free nanoparticles can be cytotoxic and adverse effects have been documented in test animals such as rats and fish. In addition, a number of characteristics of nanoparticles such as size, persistency and mobility make it possible to draw specific parallels to past negative experiences with xenobiotic organic chemicals, asbestos, methylmercury and tetraethyl lead. Since the SETAC-meeting in Portland, OR which addressed some of these issues on NST, several studies have been published and more are underway. This presentation provides a critical review of the state-of-the-art concerning the proclaimed health hazards and environmental effects of manufactured nanoparticles related to potential risks of exposures to nanoparticles. The review was compiled after detailed literature searches and cross referencing and scrutiny of relevant websites concerning NST. The identified potential hazardous effects are shortly described and the empirical findings are summarized. Potential future impacts are discussed in view of the fact that humans and the environment are already being exposed to manufactured nanoparticles through cosmetics, textiles, paints and electronics. The nature of these risks may be as novel as the technology itself, and past methods for risk assessment might not apply. In this presentation, main areas of uncertainty and research needs are identified.

Key words: Nanoparticles, Nanomaterials, Hazards identification