Health and Environmental Safety of Nanomaterials

Health and Environmental Safety of Nanomaterials addresses concerns about the impact of nanomaterials on the environment and human health, and examines the safety of specific nanomaterials. Understanding the unique chemical and physical properties of nanostructures has led to many developments in the applications of nanocomposite materials. While these materials have applications in a huge range of areas, their potential for toxicity must be thoroughly understood.Part one introduces the properties of nanomaterials, nanofillers, and nanocomposites, and questions whether they are more toxic than their bulk counterparts. Part two looks at the release and exposure of nanomaterials. The text covers sampling techniques and data analysis methods used to assess nanoparticle exposure, as well as protocols for testing the safety of polymer nanocomposites. It explains characterization techniques of airborne nanoparticles and life cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterials. Part three focuses on the safety of certain nanomaterials, including nanolayered silicates, carbon nanotubes, and metal oxides. In particular, it explores the potential ecotoxicological hazards associated with the different structures of carbon nanotubes and the safe recycling of inorganic and carbon nanoparticles. The final two chapters address the risks of nanomaterials in fire conditions: their thermal degradation, flammability, and toxicity in different fire scenarios.This is a scientific guide with technical background for professionals using nanomaterials in industry, scientists, academicians, research scholars, and polymer engineers. It also offers a deep understanding of the subject for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Introduces the properties of nanomaterials, nanofillers, and nanocomposites, and questions whether they are more toxic than their bulk counterparts
- Covers sampling techniques and data analysis methods used to assess nanoparticle exposure, as well as protocols for testing the safety of polymer nanocomposites
- Explores the potential ecotoxicological hazards associated with the different structures of carbon nanotubes and the safe recycling of inorganic and carbon nanoparticles

Contributor contact detailsWoodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and EngineeringPrefacePart I: General introduction1. Nanomaterials, nanofillers, and nanocomposites: types and propertiesAbstract:1.1 Introduction1.2 Key terms and definitions1.3 Common physical and chemical properties1.4 Types of nanofiller1.5 Nanocomposites: selected examples1.6 Conclusion1.7 Acknowledgement1.8 References2. Mechanisms of nanomaterial toxicityAbstract:2.1 Introduction2.2 Size- and non-size-related toxicity mechanisms of nanomaterials2.3 Mechanisms of nanomaterial-induced cellular damage mediated by oxidative stress2.4 Mechanisms of nanomaterial-induced cellular damage independent of oxidative stress2.5 Nanomaterial shape and toxicity: the fibre paradigm2.6 The use of lipidomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics to understand nanomaterial toxicity2.7 Conclusion and future trends2.8 ReferencesPart II: Assessment of nanomaterial release and exposure3. Nanoparticle exposure assessment: methods, sampling techniques, and data analysisAbstract:3.1 Introduction3.2 Physicochemical properties of nanomaterials relevant to exposure assessment3.3 International standards and guidance relating to nanoparticle exposure assessment3.4 Instrumentation for exposure assessment3.5 Sample collection strategies for exposure assessment3.6 Initial evaluation: identification of potential emission sources3.7 Main evaluation: key steps3.8 Data interpretation3.9 Conclusion and future trends3.10 Acknowledgement3.11 References4. Sampling protocols for testing the safety of polymer nanocompositesAbstract:4.1 Introduction4.2 Approaches for release simulation: case studies of drilling4.3 Simulating the release of particulate materials4.4 Collection of samples4.5 Characterization of samples4.6 Sample storage and labelling4.7 Preventing the contamination of stored samples4.8 Sample pre-treatment before testing: use of dispersing agents, sonication, stirring and mixing4.9 Protocol validation and standardization4.10 Conclusion and future trends4.11 Sources of further information and advice4.12 References5. Measurement and sampling techniques for characterization of airborne nanoparticles released from nano-enhanced productsAbstract:5.1 Introduction5.2 Identification of release scenarios of nano-sized particles from nanocomposites5.3 Measurement of airborne nano-sized particles5.4 Collection of airborne particles5.5 Deficiencies of devices for measuring airborne nano-sized particles5.6 Case study: the effect of nanoclay on dust generation during drilling of PA6 nanocomposites5.7 Conclusion5.8 Acknowledgement5.9 References6. Life cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterialsAbstract:6.1 Introduction6.2 Life cycle assessment methodology6.3 Life cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterials: case studies6.4 New developments in life cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterials6.5 Conclusion6.6 ReferencesPart III: Safety of particular types of nanomaterial7. Nanolayered silicates/clay minerals: uses and effects on healthAbstract:7.1 Introduction7.2 Characteristics of clay minerals7.3 Effect of clay minerals on the environment7.4 Toxicity of nanoclays in humans7.5 Life cycle assessment of nanoclay-reinforced materials7.6 Conclusion and future trends7.7 References8. Carbon nanotubes: properties, applications, and toxicityAbstract:8.1 Introduction8.2 Physico-chemical properties of carbon nanotubes and their applications8.3 Carbon nanotubes in nanomedicine8.4 Carbon nanotube toxicity8.5 Conclusion and future trends8.6 Acknowledgements8.7 References9. Ecotoxicological effects of carbon nanotubes: test methods and current researchAbstract:9.1 Introduction9.2 Quantification of carbon nanotubes in environmentally relevant media9.3 Methodological issues9.4 Current research on ecotoxicological risks of nanoparticles9.5 Future trends9.6 Conclusion9.7 Disclaimer9.8 References10.