Timing, hosts and locations of (grouped) events of NanoImpactNet

NanoSafetyCluster - Compendium 2012
1 Introduction
Nanotechnology is, along with biotechnology and information
technology, a key technology of the 21st Century that has farreaching
implications for science, industrial development and the
creation of new products. Therefore, it is considered highly
important for successful economic development over the coming
decades. The subject of nanotechnology is a collective term that
relates to different techniques in the nanometer range, the
production, study and in the application of structures. Molecular
materials, internal interfaces and surfaces with critical dimensions
or production tolerances ranging from a few to about a hundred
nanometers are studied structural factors. In the most important
industries, it is increasingly recognized that the control of
structural and functional properties of novel materials - so-called
"Advanced Materials" - on the nanometer scale is the key to
technological advances and new products that will conquer
emerging markets [1]. Besides the use of nanotechnology in
material science, there are great impacts of nanotechnology that
are expected to alter medicine. Nano-based techniques in the
fields of diagnostics (e.g. imaging, biosensors) and therapy (e.g.
drug delivery, drug targeting or regenerative medicine) are
creating new possibilities in medicine [2, 3]. Cancer therapy along
with the treatment of viral and a number of degenerative diseases
has shown significant progress with nano-based techniques [4-8].
However, despite the obvious benefits of such advanced materials,
there are potential adverse effects on the environment and people
due to the fact that humans are exposed to nanoparticles through
various routes: inhalation via the respiratory tract, dermal
absorption/penetration through hair follicles, ingestion by the
gastrointestinal tract, and injection. Nevertheless, the toxicology
of these materials has been investigated insufficiently.
Regarding the degradation processes of advanced materials (e.g.
waste deposit, air, and groundwater), nanostructered materials
are being distributed in the environment. Until now, it has not
been possible to show whether nanoparticles that are ingested or
inhaled from the environment are systemically absorbed on a
larger magnitude and if it is possible to calculate their long-term
effects [9, 10].
In addition to the desired physio-chemical changes, a modification
of toxicological behaviour is observed due to the structuring of the
materials on the nanometer scale. Systematic studies exist
regarding the effects of environmental nanoparticles (ultrafine
particles) in relation to a reported increase in the incidence of
cardiovascular disease and propensity for asthmatic disease [11-15].
The change of the toxicological potential, which is due to the
reduction of the material in the nanometer range, was negated a
few years ago. In many cases, the importance has only been
recognized in recent years. People and the environment are
permanently exposed to nanostructured materials as a result of an
ever-widening use and also from their release from within their life
cycle; these effects are not negligible. Therefore, a profound
knowledge of the toxicological potential of nanostructured
materials, breakdown products, penetration of and metabolism in
the human body, and their emission is of enormous importance.
The knowledge of toxicology, the possibility of critical assessment
of the potential danger of using standardized testing procedures
and the systematic studies carried out on nanomaterials are
hereby determined by public acceptance. Public acceptance is a
prerequisite for the sustainable and successful development of
nanotechnology. A poor acceptance (e.g. caused by a lack of
awareness in the field of toxicology) could probably lead to a
negative trend in perception similar to that of genetic engineering.
Due to the fact that nanomaterials are increasingly present in our
environment, international experts have a growing interest
regarding this issue. It is increasingly clear, however, that there is a
tremendous need for standardization. A portion of data published
to date, which has been used, contains insufficiently characterized
nanostructered materials. Moreover, many of the in vivo studies
carried out with mice or rats have used overly high doses of the
investigated nanostructured materials. This demonstrates that the
results are not conclusive and that a classification of the key
parameters for assessing the toxicity of nanostructured materials
is urgently needed.
2 Background
In the field of toxicology in recent years, a paradigm shift towards
a proactive risk assessment has been identified. The public
reporting has increased significantly, making the need for the
objective communication of risks paramount. Public opinion and
acceptance of nanotechnology contribute to four main areas and
therefore must be given special consideration: (a) public attitudes,
(b) public perception, (c) the role of the media, and (d) trust from
those who communicate the risk in Public behaviour and attitudes
[16]. This development is also taken into account on an
international scientific level and is recognized by The European
Commission. Janez Potocnik, a member of the Commission for
Science and Research until November 2009, cited this:
"Nanotechnology is a key area where Europe leads the way and we
must ensure that this remains so. The potential of nanotechnology
for European industry and society is enormous so we need to
research a clear strategy and effective measures in this area. At the
same time we must consider eventual health, safety and
environmental risks and address them as early as possible." [17]. The
bidding of the 7th Framework Program of the European Union
reflects this trend by making a specific call for clarifying research in
the field of toxicology.
Another initiative in this field sets the Organization for Economic
Co-Operation and Development (OECD) with the "Sponsorship
Program for the Testing of Manufactured Nanomaterials" This
program pools expertise and funds the safety testing methods of
specific manufactured nanomaterials (NMs). The priority list
includes 14 NMs for testing based on materials which are in, or
close to, commerce: Fullerenes (C60), single-walled carbon
nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs),
28 Compendium of Projects in the European NanoSafety Cluster