All posts tagged nanomaterials

Posted:
September 8, 2014
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WP4 – Lifecycle analysis progress update

WP4 is devoted to studying the transformation and/or release of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) along their life cycle (production, manufacturing, use and disposal) when used in existing applications or industrial processes, and the assessment of environmental and health impacts of these releases.

Researchers have so far performed a selection of representative applications incorporating each ENM type to be studied during NANOSOLUTIONS. Additionally, a description of the life cycle stages of the ENMs depending on the application or consumer product where they are incorporated has been carried out, with special relevance being given to the life cycle stages beyond the manufacturing stage. The life cycle stages that are most likely to result in the transformation of the ENMs and/or to result in the release of ENMs have been identified, prioritising normal use conditions (releases generated in accidental scenarios have not been considered). On this basis, researchers in WP4 are currently designing and conducting experiments to investigate the release of ENMs from nanoproducts.

The work being performed in WP4 will help to validate the NANOSOLUTIONS hazard tool by comparing physicochemical characterisation and release results of simulations with the predictions given by the tool.

TEM image of Ag nanoparticles

TEM image of Ag nanoparticles


dispersion used to produce nano-enabled fabrics with antimicrobial properties

Dispersion used to produce nano-enabled fabrics with antimicrobial properties


padding process in which the nanoparticles are deposited on the fabric surface

Padding process in which the nanoparticles are deposited on the fabric surface

Posted:
June 12, 2013
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NANOSOLUTIONS Kicks Off

Whole Team 3On May 15th the ambitious NANOSOLUTIONS Project kicked off at a lively and productive meeting at the Grand Marina Congress Centre, Helsinki, Finland.  Kai Savolainen and Harri Alenius of FIOH, the coordinating institute of the 35-partner FP7 project, led the meeting. During the two-day session, details on the Description of Work were formalised by working groups chaired by leading experts and deliverables were fine-tuned to determine the next steps for the project.

The ambitious project will be crucial in leading the global effort towards greater workplace safety and thorough risk assessment of nano materials.

Most importantly, it will also build consumer, industrial and regulatory confidence by enabling experts to assess potential unknown dangers effectively.

The Nanosolutions project aims to encourage interest and voluntary engagement from the regulators as well as industry stakeholders on both a national and EU level. Other stakeholders will span the public, academics and government.  Throughout the discussions, the overarching theme was safety, relating to the chosen nanomaterials being assured by the project.

The project partners and members of the International Advisory Group also gathered together for an evening meal on Luoto Island and left the meeting inspired to make the work successful on a global level over the next four years.

The research of the project will find new methods for assessing the disadvantages of, exposure to, and risks presented by industrial nanoparticles. The NANOSOLUTIONS project will ultimately show the world how Europe especially, is pressing forward the responsibility of setting global standards in nanotech safety regulation.

Conference room