Objective
The purpose of this project is to identify and rate important forms of nanotechnology-related environmental pollution and health hazards that could result from activities involved in nano-structures throughout their life-cycle, and to suggest means that might reduce or eliminate these impacts. Besides the positive multipurpose nano-reinforcement in materials and expanded devices applications, little is known about the environmental and health risks of certain manufactured nanomaterials. Initial research has indicated that nanomaterials can have a negative impact on human health and environmental pollution. For instance, carbon nanotubes may be more toxic than other carbon particles or quartz dust when being absorbed into the lung tissue; however, specific detailed research is required. More importantly, and fundamental to the success of nanotechnology, is the perceived safety of the technology by the public. As activity shifts from research to the development of applications, there exists an urgent need to understanding and managing the associated risks, but in particular to personnel working with these materials. To address these issues, an investigation of biological interactions of nanoscale and nanostructured materials on in vitro toxicological mechanisms is proposed. Further, an assessment of their impact on environmental pollution regarding water, soil and air is also proposed.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-NMP-2008-SMALL-2
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Funding Scheme
CP-FP - Small or medium-scale focused research projectCoordinator
48950 ERANDIO
Spain