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Introduction to environmental benefits and implications of nanotechnology
Citation:
POYNTON, H. Introduction to environmental benefits and implications of nanotechnology. Presented at Ohio Valley Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Nanotechnology Workshop, Cincinnati, OH, September 17, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
There are many potential applications for these materials including those with environmental benefits. However, their unique chemical and physical properties may produce unexpected toxicological challenges for human and ecological health. Regulatory agencies in the United States and internationally have focused their efforts on reviewing current regulatory frameworks and testing guidelines for their applicability for nanomaterials. Although the general regulatory and testing frameworks are compatible with nanomaterials, there are details within the guidelines which need further clarification and guidance.
Description:
Nanotechnology involves the use of materials and components between 1 - 100 nm in at least one dimension. The small size of nanoparticles and the ability to custom synthesize these particles from the bottom up produces novel chemical entities with unique physical and chemical properties.