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Limitations and information needs for engineered nanomaterial-specific exposure estimation and scenarios: recommendations for improved reporting practices

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Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe the process and challenges in building exposure scenarios for engineered nanomaterials (ENM), using an exposure scenario format similar to that used for the European Chemicals regulation (REACH). Over 60 exposure scenarios were developed based on information from publicly available sources (literature, books, and reports), publicly available exposure estimation models, occupational sampling campaign data from partnering institutions, and industrial partners regarding their own facilities. The primary focus was on carbon-based nanomaterials, nano-silver (nano-Ag) and nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), and included occupational and consumer uses of these materials with consideration of the associated environmental release. The process of building exposure scenarios illustrated the availability and limitations of existing information and exposure assessment tools for characterizing exposure to ENM, particularly as it relates to risk assessment. This article describes the gaps in the information reviewed, recommends future areas of ENM exposure research, and proposes types of information that should, at a minimum, be included when reporting the results of such research, so that the information is useful in a wider context.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the European Commission’s 7th Framework Programme Coordination and Support Action “NANEX—Development of Exposure Scenarios for Manufactured Nanomaterials” (Grant NMP-CSA-247794). We thank the Dr. Steffi Friedrichs, the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA), and its members for their generous cooperation and assistance with the case studies.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Katherine Clark

    Present address: LKC, Fullinsdorf, Switzerland

  2. Frans M. Christensen

    Present address: COWI, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

  3. Christian Micheletti

    Present address: Veneto NanoTech S.C.p.A, Padova, Italy

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Work and Health (IST), Rue du Bugnon 21, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Katherine Clark & Michael Riediker

  2. Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

    Martie van Tongeren, Kaspar Schmid & Rob Aitken

  3. Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP), Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy

    Frans M. Christensen & Christian Micheletti

  4. TNO, Zeist, The Netherlands

    Derk Brouwer & Rianda Gerritsen

  5. EMPA–Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland

    Bernd Nowack & Fadri Gottschalk

  6. TECNALIA Research and Innovation, Minano, Spain

    Celina Vaquero & Jesús María López de Ipiña

  7. National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece

    Vasileios Gkanis & Christos Housiadas

Authors
  1. Katherine Clark
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  2. Martie van Tongeren
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Riediker.

Additional information

Special Issue Editors: Candace S.-J. Tsai, Michael J. Ellenbecker

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Nanotechnology, Occupational and Environmental Health

The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the authors Frans M. Christensen and Christian Micheletti and not necessarily those of the European Commission.

Kaspar Schmid is currently affiliated with the Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs.

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Clark, K., van Tongeren, M., Christensen, F.M. et al. Limitations and information needs for engineered nanomaterial-specific exposure estimation and scenarios: recommendations for improved reporting practices. J Nanopart Res 14, 970 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-012-0970-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-012-0970-x

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