Nanomaterials: certain aspects of application, risk assessment and risk communication

Abstract

Development and market introduction of new nanomaterials trigger the need for an adequate risk assessment of such products alongside suitable risk communication measures. Current application of classical and new nanomaterials is analyzed in context of regulatory requirements and standardization for chemicals, food and consumer products. The challenges of nanomaterial characterization as the main bottleneck of risk assessment and regulation are presented. In some areas, e.g., quantification of nanomaterials within complex matrices, the establishment and adaptation of analytical techniques such as laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and others are potentially suited to meet the requirements. As an example, we here provide an approach for the reliable characterization of human exposure to nanomaterials resulting from food packaging. Furthermore, results of nanomaterial toxicity and ecotoxicity testing are discussed, with concluding key criteria such as solubility and fiber rigidity as important parameters to be considered in material development and regulation. Although an analysis of the public opinion has revealed a distinguished rating depending on the particular field of application, a rather positive perception of nanotechnology could be ascertained for the German public in general. An improvement of material characterization in both toxicological testing as well as end-product control was concluded as being the main obstacle to ensure not only safe use of materials, but also wide acceptance of this and any novel technology in the general public.

Safe nanotechnologies for increasing the effectiveness of environmentally friendly natural agrochemicals

“…Securing the right dosage, the proper way of application, the adequate exposure time, and the parameters that affect the performance of the nanomaterials in different media (e.g., size, agglomeration, mobility, precipitation, etc.) are key factors that might compromise the validity of results …”

“…are key factors that might compromise the validity of results. 96 In general terms, an ideal nanodevice for use in agricultural should comprise the following traits: (i) it should be non-toxic and environmentally safe, to avoid further contamination problems and a negative perception on the part of consumers; (ii) its synthesis and production must be easily up-scaled; (iii) it should involve low-cost materials, so that the cost of the new nanoformulated products does not exceed that of the current agrochemicals and they are affordable to farmers. 97 In order to clarify the needs and achieve conformity among procedures, the EFSA has very recently prepared a guidance statement concerning risk assessment of nanoscience, nanoobjects and nanotechnology applications in the food and feed chain for humans and animals.…”

Review of emerging concepts in nanotoxicology: opportunities and challenges for safer nanomaterial design

“…Taking advantage of their small size, nanomaterials are hypothesized to penetrate cellular membranes, biological barriers and tissues more efficiently than larger sized materials (Gidwani and Singh 2013). However, a large number of biokinetic studies has only revealed a minor influence of particle size on biodistribution (Laux et al 2017b). The field of nanotoxicology is concerned with classifying the conditions that lead to toxic effects and devising ways to prevent and treat them.…”

“…In this review article, we revisit a nanosafety conclusion from an emerging trend of a decade of nanotoxicity research. Since the inception of nanotechnology more than three decades ago, there has been a concern that the term 'nano' was somehow inherently related to dangerous (Laux et al 2017b). This was majorly propagated by a media hype, science fiction and books seeking attention of public with the term 'nano' which introduced imaginary self-replicating nanobots (Joachim 2005;McCray 2010).…”

“…Nanotoxicity is not just about assessing environment and health safety (EHS) exposure levels. There are many other factors that need to be incorporated into an experimental design in order to achieve experimental data that are valuable and reproducible (Bernstein et al 2004;Laux et al 2017b).…”