Master's Degree

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Although nanotechnology may potentially contribute to sustainable innovation, there are concerns that certain nanomaterials may pose novel risks for the human health and the environment (Allianz et al 2009). It has been recognized that substantial uncertainties constrain the conventional risk assessment (RA) of chemicals when applied to ENMs, which raises health and safety concerns. (Hristozov et al 2012). Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have different properties compared to their bulk counterparts, which enables unique applications, but may lead to novel mechanism of toxicity. Since it appeared that no clear and universally accepted definition of a nanomaterial is present, and that a relevant measure for expressing hazard and exposure is as yet not known.(Pronk et al. 2009), therefore a need for more scientific knowledge and firm government regulations. In addition to insufficiency of the standard information requirements to assess hazard and exposure, and other data gaps, it cannot be determined to what extent the nano-form of a substance corresponds to the bulk form of the same substance. To this end, a life cycle perspective is considered towards the analysis of nano specific fate, transport, toxicity and impacts of ENM on humans and environments. Presently, research institutes, regional and national governments and international organization are working on an integrated top-down strategy to guide bottom-up research activities on the state-of-the-art of the regulation of nanomanufacturing. This thesis examines the suitability of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation for safe use of Nanomaterials. The process critically review the state of the art in the area of nanosafety assessment with a case study of use of nano-silver. Coupled with a data gap analysis and comparative review of emerging methods and tools, the Analytical Hierarchy process in SWOT analysis of the current applicable ecological and occupational tools is used to analyse the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to available methods and tools. This review will be used as the basis for developing a strategy for integrated risk assessment for nano-silver. These activities will contribute to (1) the proposal of a framework for integrated (human health and ecological) risk assessment of ENM, tailored to the current REACH regulations, (2) formulation of a roadmap for sustainable nanomanufacturing.

Chapter one deals with the process of human health and ecological risk assessment. Different stages of risk assessment, requirements for risk evaluation and available methodologies are described. Chapter two reviews the existing tools for (ecological and occupational assessment), using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. Ranking of the tools are useful to derive quantitative information and their versatility for present and anticipated applications. Chapter three presents two case studies of nano-silver containing products: HeiQAGS-20(textile material) and Biocides (agricultural chemical) , performed by regulatory bodies US Environmental protection agency (EPA) and European Chemical Agency (ECHA). respectively. Dealing with different processes that describe the preparation, forms of nanomaterials attributes and their chemical reactivity that lead to the Environmental fate and transport. Chapter four discusses limitations, uncertainties and possible solutions at different stages of risk assessment process and proposes a new framework for sustainable manufacturing Chapter five presents a roadmap towards a decision making process for sustainable nanomanufacturing using the analysis of risk assessment.