46
information is lacking for virtually every type of nanomaterial or group of nanomaterials, and technical difficulties hamper the accurate measurement of nanomaterials
in the workplace as well as in the environment.
There are several methods such as Swiss Precautionary Matrix, NanoRiskCat,
and Control/risk banding nano tools developed to control the risk of engineered
nanomaterials. The main principles of the first one are; 1- involving producers, consumers, and environment, 2- low input, and 3- to be based on the worst case of
nano-specific risk (Riediker 2012). In order to assess how big nano-specific risk is,
a score is derived based on information about whether the material is nanomaterial,
intrinsic properties of nanomaterial, and potential human exposure and emissions to
the environment. Depending the score, precautionary need is classified A (0–20) or
B (bigger than 20). In case of B, available measures should be specifically revised.
The matrix has a dual goal as an early warning system and self-supervision according to the chemical and environmental law. The second is presented by Hansen to
support companies and regulators (Hansen 2012). The outcome of NanoRiskCat
includes a short title describing the intended use and color code consisting of five
dots. The first three dots refer to potential exposure while the last two dots indicate
hazard potential. The third method recommended by Brouwer focuses on occupational use of nanoparticles and nanomaterial-embedded products. The outcome of
the method is qualitative due to scientific uncertainty (Brouwer 2012). Control/risk
banding is a simplified approach to evaluate hazard severity and exposure probability.
It is highly challenging to monitor possible health effects and interaction mechanisms of nanoparticles owing to inefficient data and characterization techniques.
Risk evaluation and hazard identification become more complicated due to diversity
of nanomaterials. Also many toxicological studies are in vitro and the prediction of
effect of nanomaterials on human health may be misleading. The relation between
nanomaterials and human health is not clear for now. Also which properties of nanomaterial are determining toxicity is controversial.
To summarize, as the newer nanoproducts are produced, the gap between our
knowledge and their properties widens and the available data on nanotechnology
and their health impact are far from conclusive. Thus, before universal applications
of nanomaterials, extensive and comprehensive studies should be carried out.
2.6 Summary and Conclusion
It is clear that nanotechnology has a lot of benefits and encompasses every aspect of
our lives. Since nanotechnology offers ample and exciting opportunities, it has a
profound effect on our lives. Nanotechnology is fast-growing area which has many
and various applications such as energy, medicine, agriculture, electronics, environmental applications, textile, and much more. However, nanotechnology might not
be so safe. As nanomaterials have been evolving, the concern about the health
effects of nanomaterials has increased correspondingly. Although there have been
many controversial studies related to the origin of their adverse effects, there is a
S. Tekmen and S. Öksüz
information is lacking for virtually every type of nanomaterial or group of nanomaterials, and technical difficulties hamper the accurate measurement of nanomaterials
in the workplace as well as in the environment.
There are several methods such as Swiss Precautionary Matrix, NanoRiskCat,
and Control/risk banding nano tools developed to control the risk of engineered
nanomaterials. The main principles of the first one are; 1- involving producers, consumers, and environment, 2- low input, and 3- to be based on the worst case of
nano-specific risk (Riediker 2012). In order to assess how big nano-specific risk is,
a score is derived based on information about whether the material is nanomaterial,
intrinsic properties of nanomaterial, and potential human exposure and emissions to
the environment. Depending the score, precautionary need is classified A (0–20) or
B (bigger than 20). In case of B, available measures should be specifically revised.
The matrix has a dual goal as an early warning system and self-supervision according to the chemical and environmental law. The second is presented by Hansen to
support companies and regulators (Hansen 2012). The outcome of NanoRiskCat
includes a short title describing the intended use and color code consisting of five
dots. The first three dots refer to potential exposure while the last two dots indicate
hazard potential. The third method recommended by Brouwer focuses on occupational use of nanoparticles and nanomaterial-embedded products. The outcome of
the method is qualitative due to scientific uncertainty (Brouwer 2012). Control/risk
banding is a simplified approach to evaluate hazard severity and exposure probability.
It is highly challenging to monitor possible health effects and interaction mechanisms of nanoparticles owing to inefficient data and characterization techniques.
Risk evaluation and hazard identification become more complicated due to diversity
of nanomaterials. Also many toxicological studies are in vitro and the prediction of
effect of nanomaterials on human health may be misleading. The relation between
nanomaterials and human health is not clear for now. Also which properties of nanomaterial are determining toxicity is controversial.
To summarize, as the newer nanoproducts are produced, the gap between our
knowledge and their properties widens and the available data on nanotechnology
and their health impact are far from conclusive. Thus, before universal applications
of nanomaterials, extensive and comprehensive studies should be carried out.
2.6 Summary and Conclusion
It is clear that nanotechnology has a lot of benefits and encompasses every aspect of
our lives. Since nanotechnology offers ample and exciting opportunities, it has a
profound effect on our lives. Nanotechnology is fast-growing area which has many
and various applications such as energy, medicine, agriculture, electronics, environmental applications, textile, and much more. However, nanotechnology might not
be so safe. As nanomaterials have been evolving, the concern about the health
effects of nanomaterials has increased correspondingly. Although there have been
many controversial studies related to the origin of their adverse effects, there is a
S. Tekmen and S. Öksüz