Scientists have formulated risk evaluation criteria to enable specialists to make policy and innovation decisions for engineered nanomaterials. The Framework Programme 7 Nanohouse project, worth €2.4 million, known as the ‘Life cycle of nanoparticle-based products used in house coating’ has developed new ways to determine the risks offered by nanomaterials to the environment and human health.
The theme of the FP7 project was 'Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies'. It has been assessed that the nanomaterials design can influence the abrupt emission of particles.
Nanomaterial structure can be altered to offers various mechanical, chemical and physical properties, which can be used in wide range of sectors such as healthcare and construction. They can also be manipulated to be scratch-proof, flame retardant and to offer resistance to UV light. In order to develop and install nanomaterials, data related to product life cycles in integration with a systematic estimation of the various types of dangers must be acquired.
The team from Nanohouse stated that there are no accurate devices to assess risk of unintentional emission of nanoparticles into the surroundings from paints.
Nanohouse analyzed data from previous research to determine the potential risks associated with nanomaterials used in building coatings and nanotextiles. They also conducted mathematical modelling in accordance with human toxicology and behavior of nanomaterials.
Source: http://www-nanohouse.cea.fr/