Managing the unknown – Addressing the potential health risks of nanomaterials in the built environment

Jones, Wendy; Gibb, Alistair G.F.; Goodier, Chris I.; Bust, Phillip D.

doi:10.1080/01446193.2016.1241413

Cited by 14 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…More specifically, there has been an increase in the number of papers that review the health and safety considerations related to the use of nanomaterials in the construction industry during their whole life cycle [205,206]. The main reasons for their toxicity lie in their reduced size and high reactivity.…”

Section: Health Impact Of Nanomaterialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nano-Inclusions Applied in Cement-Matrix Composites: A Review

et al. 2016

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Research on cement-based materials is trying to exploit the synergies that nanomaterials can provide. This paper describes the findings reported in the last decade on the improvement of these materials regarding, on the one hand, their mechanical performance and, on the other hand, the new properties they provide. These features are mainly based on the electrical and chemical characteristics of nanomaterials, thus allowing cement-based elements to acquire “smart” functions. In this paper, we provide a quantitative approach to the reinforcements achieved to date. The fundamental concepts of nanoscience are introduced and the need of both sophisticated devices to identify nanostructures and techniques to disperse nanomaterials in the cement paste are also highlighted. Promising results have been obtained, but, in order to turn these advances into commercial products, technical, social and standardisation barriers should be overcome. From the results collected, it can be deduced that nanomaterials are able to reduce the consumption of cement because of their reinforcing effect, as well as to convert cement-based products into electric/thermal sensors or crack repairing materials. The main obstacle to foster the implementation of such applications worldwide is the high cost of their synthesis and dispersion techniques, especially for carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide.

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Section: Health Impact Of Nanomaterialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nano-Inclusions Applied in Cement-Matrix Composites: A Review

et al. 2016

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“…Ecological (and therefore microbiome) change begins once new structures are constructed and indoor surfaces and systems decontaminated [ 46 – 48 ]. Materials and compounds used for construction and decontamination therefore shape the microbial constituents of the built environment where humans live and work [ 49 – 51 ]. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies now allow culture-independent insight into the microbial constituents of the indoor and outdoor environment revealing the vast diversity of microorganisms and an understanding of microbial ecology within an increasingly ‘engineered’ and urbanised world [ 52 , 53 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…NMs are being increasingly used in many fields relevant to the built environment. In this light, while such materials offer benefits including reduced vibration through self-compacting concretes and improved energy efficiency from thermally insulated windows, there is a general lack of appreciation of the influence that such NMs have upon the built environment and the occupant’s microbiota with potential public health consequences [ 49 , 70 ]. Use of nanosilver coating for its anti-microbial properties for instance risks selecting out drug-resistant microbes and engineered NMs such as nanotitanium dioxide from consumer products, paints and clothing can pass through the water treatment process and are found in tap water at significant and potentially harmful concentrations [ 71 , 72 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inhaled nanomaterials and the respiratory microbiome: clinical, immunological and toxicological perspectives

et al. 2018

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Our development and usage of engineered nanomaterials has grown exponentially despite concerns about their unfavourable cardiorespiratory consequence, one that parallels ambient ultrafine particle exposure from vehicle emissions. Most research in the field has so far focused on airway inflammation in response to nanoparticle inhalation, however, little is known about nanoparticle-microbiome interaction in the human airway and the environment. Emerging evidence illustrates that the airway, even in its healthy state, is not sterile. The resident human airway microbiome is further altered in chronic inflammatory respiratory disease however little is known about the impact of nanoparticle inhalation on this airway microbiome. The composition of the airway microbiome, which is involved in the development and progression of respiratory disease is dynamic, adding further complexity to understanding microbiota-host interaction in the lung, particularly in the context of nanoparticle exposure. This article reviews the size-dependent properties of nanomaterials, their body deposition after inhalation and factors that influence their fate. We evaluate what is currently known about nanoparticle-microbiome interactions in the human airway and summarise the known clinical, immunological and toxicological consequences of this relationship. While associations between inhaled ambient ultrafine particles and host immune-inflammatory response are known, the airway and environmental microbiomes likely act as intermediaries and facilitate individual susceptibility to inhaled nanoparticles and toxicants. Characterising the precise interaction between the environment and airway microbiomes, inhaled nanoparticles and the host immune system is therefore critical and will provide insight into mechanisms promoting nanoparticle induced airway damage.

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“…Where products do contain nanomaterials and state this, many do not give information regarding the specific nanomaterials used or the quantity contained (Jones et al, 2015a). Safety data sheets in the UK and Europe are not required to specify the presence of nanomaterials, as they need only list substances that would be categorised as hazardous under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP, 2009) regulations.…”

Section: 4mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The results of these tests, plus additional details relating to the potential health risks of nanomaterials are reported elsewhere (e.g. Jones et al, 2015aJones et al, , 2015b) (other papers are in progress).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanomaterials in construction – what is being used, and where?

Jones

Gibb

Goodier

et al. 2019

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Constructio

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Identifying where nanomaterials are present in construction materials is challenging. Academic literature reports what nanotechnology can offer construction, but this can differ from the reality of what is currently in use.Furthermore, it is difficult to source accurate information regarding nano-enabled products on the market; under current legislation, the declaration of nano content is voluntary and there is no requirement to provide details within safety data sheets. Although publically available information remains opaque and incomplete, several studies and reports have attempted to clarify this situation. This research builds on this information, presenting an overview of the nano-enabled products currently available for use in construction. This is based on the literature, manufacturers' published information and on discussions with suppliers and end users. Concrete, glass and coatings are the most widely available nano-enabled products, together with insulation and special steels. The precise nanomaterial used in each case however, and the form and quantity involved can be difficult to identify. This makes assessing the risks difficult, which is problematic, as some nanomaterials are considered to be hazardous. More detailed information regarding commercially available products will be important if risks are to be managed, enabling the industry to take full advantage of the benefits of nanotechnology.

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Managing the unknown – Addressing the potential health risks of nanomaterials in the built environment

Cited by 14 publications

References 57 publications

Nano-Inclusions Applied in Cement-Matrix Composites: A Review

Nano-Inclusions Applied in Cement-Matrix Composites: A Review

Inhaled nanomaterials and the respiratory microbiome: clinical, immunological and toxicological perspectives

Nanomaterials in construction – what is being used, and where?

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