Nanotechnology in construction – part 2: risk and regulation

In the second part of his exploration of nanotechnology in construction, NBS Information Specialist, Michael Smith explores the health and safety risks, and potential regulation.

Health and environmental risks

Nanotechnology's unique benefits come with some unique hazards. The large surface-area-to-mass ratio that makes nanoparticles more effective in chemical reactions could also increase the level of exposure to an organism. While this could improve the effectiveness of medications using nanoparticles, it could also increase toxicity. Also, because they can pass through biological barriers, nanoparticle drugs could pose a potent threat if unwanted particles migrate through the body.

Inhalation of nanoparticles is particularly worrisome. Several studies conducted across the last decade have shown that exposure to airborne nanoparticles can result in significant deposition of those particles in the respiratory system. Respiratory problems have followed, as well as cardiovascular ones, including coagulation and inflammation. Given the uncertainties, some groups have advocated for a moratorium on nanotechnology research and development, but that call has not been widely taken up.

One exposure route that doesn't get a lot of attention is disposal of used or waste products. If little is known about the safety of nanotechnology manufacturing, even less is known about the safety after disposal. Unpredictable hazards could occur from burning, biodegradation and leaching in landfills, and exposure to water. Researchers have described plausible scenarios in which bacteria absorb nanoparticles, bringing them into the food chain, or where absorbent nanoparticles bond with more toxic pollutants, making those pollutants more mobile.

The industry generally lacks enough data to make fully informed risk assessments. The inherent danger is that, instead of acknowledging this lack of information, it will use it to argue that special attention to risk factors and regulation is not needed. The known risks seem to recommend a prudent approach to limiting exposures as nano-enhanced building materials and other products enter the market.

Regulation

The industry hasn't yet faced any highly publicised health or environmental problems of the kind that might have brought significant regulation or litigation. Asbestos, which bears some resemblance to nanotubes, became costly for the construction industry well after it had been believed to be safe and entered widespread use.

In this unregulated environment, many companies using nanoparticles are choosing not to mention them. In July 2007, Consumer Reports found that out of eight sunscreens it tested, all contained nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, yet only one of those products disclosed its use on the bottle.

What's ahead?

While nanotechnology has not yet become as pervasive as past material’s revolutions, like plastics, it could already be on that path. Researchers suggest that nanotechnology will increasingly help the building industry to improve the performance of its buildings.

For the time being, cost and the relatively small number of practical applications hold back much of the prospects for nanotechnology in the construction industry. However, materials are the core business of construction, and the prospects for change are significant in the not-too-distant future. The sheer size and scope of the construction industry means that the accompanying economic impact will be huge.

Further information

Nanotechnology in Construction, a summary of The Freedonia Group's US industry study with forecasts for 2011, 2016 and 2025.  

For the full version of this article visit http://www.thenbs.com/topics/ConstructionProducts/articles/nanotechnologyInConstruction.asp

 

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