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

nano2

Nanodevice project is a European success story

The European Commission has labeled the NANODEVICE project, co-ordinated by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), a success story. The project produced affordable measuring devices for determining the concentrations of nanoparticles in the air. The new NANOSOLUTIONS project is another potential success story, with its aim to create a completely new way of evaluating the health hazards of industrial nanoparticles.

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