Nano-Safety<\/b><\/p>\n
What is safety with respect to nanotechnology?\u00a0 In the simplest terms, it is the development, manufacture, application, and control of nanomaterials in a manner that minimizes potential issues, both known and unknown that may impact both people and the environment.\u00a0 All chemicals can kill one, it is just a matter of quantity.\u00a0 Dangerous materials, even poisons, can be beneficial if applied in the proper dosage.\u00a0 Just because something is dangerous does not mean it should not be used.\u00a0 Fire is dangerous if mishandled, but does that mean we should not use it?<\/p>\n
One concern about safety in handling nanomaterials is based on the unknown issues.\u00a0 Not knowing the impact on people or the environment can lead to unfounded concerns and a reluctance to accept developments.\u00a0 This is not only true for nanomaterials but many commonly employed materials\/processes when they were first introduced.\u00a0 If you want to examine issues that have long had proponents and opponents, examine the application of milk pasteurization or the case of adding fluoride to drinking water.<\/p>\n
In approaching this problem, I have proposed that the issue of Nano-Safety can be addressed a systematic manner that involves 4 key concepts or pillars, which are: 1) Nanomaterial properties; 2) Impact on people and the environment; 3) Handling of nanomaterials; and, 4) Business focus.\u00a0 Last week\u2019s blog covered some of the different material properties that have been found.\u00a0 I will cover each of the remaining ones in future blogs.\u00a0 This concept was developed in a white paper on Nano-Safety in 2007.[1]\u00a0 The 4 concepts below are from the white paper and used with permission.<\/p>\n
\u201d1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Material Properties: <\/i>Obviously, one aspect is the development of an understanding of the properties of all the materials, a situation complicated by the lack of availability of metrology tools.\u00a0 A more fundamental question is what properties should be investigated.\u00a0 If the starting point is to ensure an understanding of the impact of the nanomaterials on people and the environment, then investigations can be focused on material properties within the expected operational parameters, like room temperature, atmospheric pressures, etc.\u00a0 Understanding the properties is necessary before it is possible to understand their impact.<\/p>\n
\u201c2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Impact on People and the Environment: <\/i>Another aspect is a greater understanding of the impact of nanomaterials on the human body.\u00a0 For instance, significant advances are being made in the treatment of cancer by employing customized molecules that incorporate nanoparticles and deliver them to cancerous sites.\u00a0 These specialized molecules either deliver specific chemicals or other material like gold or carbon nanotubes to the site requiring treatment.\u00a0 The chemicals will react with the cancer and begin destroying it.\u00a0 The other materials can be heated by many different methods and destroy the cancerous cells through the elevated temperatures.\u00a0 These approaches promise significant advances in treatment of diseases; however, the long-term impact on the body is under investigation and no definitive answers exist.<\/p>\n
\u201c3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Handling of Nanomaterials: <\/i>The question of handling and storing Nanomaterials is important from both the implications for the people involved and the impact on the environment.\u00a0 Yet, without any knowledge of the basic properties, the extent of the precautions required is unknown.\u00a0 One always wants to err on the side of safety, but potentially onerous procedures, based on worst-case scenarios, will diminish the progress being made in applying nanotechnology to everyday problems.\u00a0 Procedures are required based on fundamental evaluations and historical efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201c4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Business Focus: <\/i>The business aspect is important.\u00a0 Given the fact that businesses need to protect their workers as well as their corporate liability, they need to operate according to established guidelines.\u00a0 These guidelines do not exist!\u00a0 Consequently, there is the potential for significant corporate liability.<\/p>\n
\u201cNANO-SAFETY is not something that will come into place before there is a need, and the need is today.\u00a0 The application of nanomaterials has been happening for some time.\u00a0 Unlike earlier times in history when people simply proceeded and ignored the consequences, today’s environment requires that people and organizations be responsible for their actions.\u00a0 Action is required.\u201d<\/p>\n
Closing thoughts<\/b><\/p>\n
The intent of including references is to provide a starting point for anyone who wants to learn more.\u00a0\u00a0 I received one post that indicated the writer was going to do some checking of both the included references and others to check the assumptions presented.\u00a0 That is great. Investigate, Learn, Decide.<\/p>\n
References:<\/b><\/p>\n