Nanomaterials risks and benefits

Risks and Benefits

  • State-of-the-science approach to nanomaterials risk assessment and management
  • Relevant human health and environmental research on nanomaterials
  • Focus on practical applications and management solutions
  • Use of advanced quantitative tools to address policy problems
  • Balanced international perspectives, including developing countries

There are many potential questions regarding the risks associated with the development and use of wide-ranging technologies enabled through engineered nanomaterials. For example, with over 600 consumer products available globally, what information exists that describes their risk to human health and the environment? What engineering or use controls can be deployed to minimize the potential environmental health and safety impacts of nanomaterials throughout the manufacturing and product lifecycles? How can the potential environmental and health benefits of nanotechnology be realized and maximized? The book chapters clearly illustrate that while existing chemical risk assessment and risk management frameworks may provide a starting point, the unique properties of nanomaterials adds a significant level of complexity to this process. The focus of many chapters is on identification of strategies and tools that could currently be implemented to reduce technical uncertainty and prioritize research to address the immediate needs of the regulatory and risk assessment communities. Papers in the book illustrate application of advanced risk assessment, comprehensive environmental assessment, risk characterization methods, decision analysis techniques, and other approaches to help focus research and inform policymakers benefiting the world at large.

Content Level » Research

Keywords » Nanomaterial - Nanotube - air pollution - carbon nanotubes - development - life-cycle assessment - linear optimization - multi-criteria decision analysis - nanotechnology

Related subjects » Environmental / Development / Agricultural Economics - Environmental Management - Nanotechnology - Operations Research & Decision Theory

Source: www.springer.com
NRC Undergoes Major Restructuring.(Nanomaterials Research Corporation)(Brief Article): An article from: Nanoparticle News
Book (Business Communications Company, Inc.)

Tweaking solar cells w/quantum dots

by Citizen_J

Potential 45% increase in efficiency
Researchers from the University at Buffalo, Army Research Laboratory and Air Force Office of Scientific Research have developed a new, nanomaterials-based technology that has the potential to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells up to 45 percent. Specifically, the researchers have shown that embedding charged quantum dots into solar cells can improve electrical output by enabling the cells to harvest infrared light, and by increasing the lifetime of photoelectrons

Engineers develop new materials for hydrogen storage  — R & D Magazine
“We are looking for solid materials that can store and release hydrogen easily,” said Olivia Graeve, a professor at the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego, who has gained international recognition as a nanomaterials manufacturing expert.

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