29 June 2010

"Development of sustainable solutions for nanotechnology-based products based on hazard characterization and LCA"

Objective

The objective of the NanoSustain project is to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable design, use, recycling and final treatment of nanotechnology-based products. This will be achieved by a comprehensive data gathering and generation of relevant missing data, as well as their evaluation and validation, for specific nano-products or product groups in relation to their human health and environmental hazards and possible impacts that may occur during after-production stages. Although production of nano-materials is rapidly increasing, our knowledge about possible health and environmental effects associated with these materials is still rather poor.

This lack of knowledge calls for more research. Due to their small size, nano-particles behave differently to their chemical analogues. They can be taken up easily and in a unique way with possible adverse effects in man and organisms. Assessing their hazard is complex and needs new approaches coupled with close international cooperation. NanoSustain will address the questions:

• How and to what degree society and the environment will be exposed to nano-materials and associated products, and
• Where do these particles end up?

Expected Results

Expected results will improve our present knowledge on the impact and fate of these particles after entering economic and natural cycles. NanoSustain has mobilized the critical mass of expertise, resources and skills to tackle this complex issue.

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