Health and Environmental Impacts of Emerging Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies

Rao Y. Surampalli
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. EPA, P.O. Box 172141, Kansas City, KS 66117

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     Last modified: April 6, 2006

Abstract
Nanotechnology presents new opportunities to create better materials and products. Nanomaterial containing products are already available in world markets including coatings, computers, clothing, cosmetics, sports equipment and medical devices. A survey of nanotechnology companies has identified approximately 80 consumer products, and over 600 raw materials, intermediate components and industrial equipment items that are used by manufacturers. Our economy will be increasingly affected by nanotechnology as more products containing nanomaterials move from research and development into production and commerce. Nanotechnology also has the potential to improve the environment, both through direct applications of nanomaterials to detect, prevent, and remove pollutants, as well as indirectly by using nanotechnology to design cleaner industrial processes and create environmentally friendly products. However, there are unanswered questions about the impacts of nanomaterials and nanoproducts on human health and environment. There is a need for research to better understand and apply information regarding nanomaterials such as: chemical identification and characterization, environmental fate, environmental detection and analysis, potential releases and human exposures, human health effects assessment, ecological effects assessment, and environmental technology applications. The presentation will discuss the potential environmental implications and applications of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies.