Toward responsible development and effective risk management of nano-enabled products in the U.S. construction industry

West, Gavin H.; Lippy, Bruce; Cooper, Michael R.; Marsick, Daniel; Burrelli, L.; Griffin, Kelsey N.; Segrave, Alan M.

doi:10.1007/s11051-016-3352-y

Cited by 29 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 102 publications

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“…For example, the eLCOSH nano website of construction products in the United States lists 458 products. Of these, the nanomaterial contained is specified in less than half, and the specifics of nanomaterial content are 'rarely reported' (West et al, 2016).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, a survey reported in 2009 found that only 25% of respondents (from various EU countries, and working in a range of roles) knew whether or not they were working with nanomaterials (van Broekhuizen and Van Broekhuizen, 2009). A more recent study, targeting 79 experienced trainers in the construction industry in the US, found that less than half were aware that nano-enabled construction products were available, and only 13% knew of such products actually being used (West et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Jones

Gibb

Goodier

et al. 2016

Construction Management and Economics

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Nanomaterials offer significant potential for high performing new products in the built environment and elsewhere. However, there are uncertainties regarding their potential adverse health effects and the extent to which they are currently used. A desk study and interviews with those working across the construction, demolition and product manufacture sectors (n=59) identified the current state of knowledge regarding nanomaterial use within the built environment. Some nanomaterials are potentially toxic, particularly those based on fibres; others are much less problematic but the evidence base is incomplete. Very little is known regarding the potential for exposure for those working with nano-enabled construction materials. Identifying which construction products contain nanomaterials, and which nanomaterials these might be, is very difficult due to inadequate labelling by product manufacturers. Consequently, those working with nanoenabled products typically have very limited knowledge or awareness of this. Further research is required regarding the toxicology of nanomaterials and the potential for exposure during construction and demolition. Better sharing of the information which is already available is also required through the construction, demolition and manufacture / supply chains. This is likely to be important for other innovative products and processes in construction, not just those which use nanomaterials.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Jones

Gibb

Goodier

et al. 2016

Construction Management and Economics

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“…In addition, nanomaterials may be released in a form different from that in which they were added -particles can be changed through chemical reactions or through agglomeration or aggregation. & Weathering or machining of products may increase the potential for particle release, but there is some evidence (albeit incomplete and limited) that the nanomaterials released are often still bound to the underlying matrix rather than being free nanoscale particles (Froggett et al, 2014;West et al, 2016). & Nanoparticles can be released from products that did not intentionally contain nanomaterials -thus the demolition of traditional concrete produces particles of many sizes, including the nanoscale (Azarmi et al, 2014(Azarmi et al, , 2015.…”

Section: 'Nanoparticle Exposure Is Predictable'mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, products such as floors, toilets and roofs can be purchased that have been pre-treated with nano-based coatings. Coatings are the dominant and most numerous nano-enabled products (Lippy and West, 2015;van Broekhuizen et al, 2011;West et al, 2016), accounting for over half the current and predicted spending on construction nanomaterials (Freedonia, 2007). However, actual use relative to non-nano products remains low, with estimates suggesting they account for no more than 1% of the coatings market in Europe (Hincapié et al, 2015).…”

Section: Coatingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These are available from several manufacturers: some are specifically designed for protection against cold, others have high heat resistance; products include 'Pyrogel, cryogel, space loft' (Aspen aerogels), 'Thermal wrap' (Cabot) and 'Thermablok' (Acoustiblok) Silica aerogel particles in vacuum insulated panels Vacuum insulated panels are available for installation in walls, flooring and roofs, products include 'Optim-R' (Kingspan) and 'Kevothermal' Several surveys in Europe and the USA (Mann, 2006;Teizer et al, 2009;van Broekhuizen and van Broekhuizen, 2009;West et al, 2016) have shown that construction professionals often have limited knowledge of this field, which is not surprising given the many sources of uncertainty and lack of clarity discussed previously. It is nevertheless important that construction professionals ask searching questions of their suppliers when they are using new products.…”

Section: Silica Aerogel In Blanket Formmentioning

confidence: 99%

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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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Industrial Hygiene Issues in Construction

Lippy

West

Gillen³

et al. 2021

Patty's Industrial Hygiene

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Construction is unique. Unlike other sectors, construction workplaces regularly involve multiple employers with a mix of trades that changes over the life of a project. Construction firms are predominantly small with the overwhelming number having less than 20 employees. Smaller contractors incur a disproportionate percentage of injuries and fatalities, which has led to construction consistently having the highest number of deaths of any sector. Most fatal construction injuries are caused by falls to a lower level, being struck by an object or a vehicle, contact with electric current, or being caught‐in or between objects or equipment. Health hazards are not given the prominence of safety hazards in construction because their effects may not be felt for decades and their causes may be unclear. Safety hazards are easier to identify. Seven percent of all OSHA construction inspections are for health hazards. Industrial hygienists should focus on task‐based personal monitoring, rather than time‐weighted averages, to better protect construction workers. Episodic exposures are more common in construction and can be quite elevated. Bystander exposures from nearby trades must also be considered as part of any hazard assessment. Dermal exposures are significant in construction because of the widespread use of cement, adhesive, solvents, abrasive cleaners, spray insulation, and paints. Engineering controls like local exhaust ventilation and wet methods can clearly reduce exposures to construction workers, if made available and maintained. New technological advances, like drones and nanomaterials, are appearing in construction. Industrial hygienists will be instrumental in navigating the benefits and risks of these technologies.

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Toward responsible development and effective risk management of nano-enabled products in the U.S. construction industry

Cited by 29 publications

References 102 publications

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

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

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

Industrial Hygiene Issues in Construction

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