Nanomaterials life cycle analysis: health and safety practices, standards and regulations – past, present and future perspective

A new technology always raises new issues with its introduction on the market. Nanotechnology is not an exception. The advantages of nanomaterials use are not to demonstrate anymore and so, the commercialization of consumer products based on nanotechnology doesn’t stop increasing. The introduction on the market of nanoproducts also involves some uncertainties. Risks regarding the environment and human health are not well known by the scientist, and the legislation doesn’t cover health and safety aspects related to nanomaterials. Especially, fate of nanoparticles during the life-cycle of nanoproducts is not fully experienced due the large variety of nanomaterials existing and their diverse applications.

It is safe to say that, given the explosive R&D and commercial uptake of nanomaterials unsurprisingly, the regulations governing the use and disposal of nanomaterials during its life cycle is behind the curve. The wide acceptance of nanotechnology by the consumers depends on alleviating the perceived safety related concerns. This paper aims to review the state of the art about exposure to nano-sized particles during life-cycle of nanomaterials. Also, future challenges and necessary work to ensure the success of nanotechnologies will be reviewed in this paper.