Understanding the risk of nanoscale materials that are used to enable next generation technologies requires the use of new approaches and tools. While risk assessment approaches are critical for quantifying the potential adverse effects of a nanoscale particle or material, additional consideration of the material and technology life-cycle must be made. Tools to assist both life-cycle and risk approaches have been developed for assisting these analyses and supporting technology development decisions. We developed a life-cycle conceptual model builder to identify relevant releases, processes, and exposures for nanoscale materials through various stages of the value chain. A database that is populated, primarily for metal nanoparticles, with nanoscale material properties, fate information, and toxicity is used to support assessments of a material. These data are used to drive particle interaction models developed using QSAR and QSPR strategies. Additional models, such as the modified DLVO, dissolution, natural organic material (NOM), and bioconcentration models can be used to understand particle fate. Toxicity tools relying on a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) or cumulative distribution frequency (CDF) of combined biological effects is used to derive probabilities at which effects are likely to occur. This approach was used to evaluate a self decontaminating surface technology that utilized a combined coating of nano-titanium dioxide, nanosilver, and silica. The investigation demonstrated release of nanoscale particles into air was below regulatory limits and particles released from the technology were predominately greater than 100 nm.

Life cycle approach for understanding risk of nanoscale materials in advanced technologies

245th National Meeting (2013)

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