... PP is neither a part of REACH nor will REACH be able to adequately protect health andenvironm... more ... PP is neither a part of REACH nor will REACH be able to adequately protect health andenvironment ([Meyer, 2004], [WWF, 2005] and ... In the same month, leading up to the second readings in the Parliament, the EP Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety ...
Exposure assessment is crucial for risk assessment for nanomaterials. We propose a framework to a... more Exposure assessment is crucial for risk assessment for nanomaterials. We propose a framework to aid exposure assessment in consumer products. We determined the location of the nanomaterials and the chemical identify of the 580 products listed in the inventory maintained by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, of which 37% used nanoparticles suspended in liquids, whereas 60 is currently only used as suspended nanoparticles in liquids and nanosilver is used more as surface bound nanoparticles than as particles suspended in liquids. Based on the location of the nanostructure we were able to further group the products into categories of: (1) expected, (2) possible, and (3) no expected exposure. Most products fall into the category of expected exposure, but we were not able to complete a quantitative exposure assessment mainly due to the lack of information on the concentration of the nanomaterial in the products—a problem that regulators and industry will have to address if we are to have realistic exposure assessment in the future. To illustrate the workability of our procedure, we applied it to four product scenarios using the best estimates available and/or worst-case assumptions. Using the best estimates available and/or worst-case assumptions we estimated the consumer exposure to be 26, 15, and 44 μg kg−1 bw year−1 for a facial lotion, a fluid product, and a spray product containing nanoparticles, respectively. The application of sun lotion containing 2% nanoparticles result in an exposure of 56.7 mg kg−1 bw d−1 for a 2-year-old child, if the amounts applied correspond to the European Commission recommendations on use of sunscreen.
Various stakeholders have acknowledged that uncertainty within determining the potential environm... more Various stakeholders have acknowledged that uncertainty within determining the potential environmental, health and safety (EHS) risks of nanomaterials (NM) may inhibit nanotechnology from reaching its full potential. A thorough description of such uncertainties is an ...
Exposure assessment is crucial for risk assessment for nanomaterials. We propose a framework to a... more Exposure assessment is crucial for risk assessment for nanomaterials. We propose a framework to aid exposure assessment in consumer products. We determined the location of the nanomaterials and the chemical identify of the 580 products listed in the inventory maintained by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. It was found that in 19% of the products the nanomaterial were nanoparticles bound to the surfaces. Nanoparticles suspended in liquids were used in 37% of the products, whereas 13% used nanoparticles suspended in solids. One percent were powders containing free potentially airborne nanoparticles. Based on the location of the nanostructure we were able to further group the products into categories of: (1) Expected to cause exposure; (2) May cause exposure; and (3) No expected exposure to the consumer. Most products fall into the category of expected exposure, but we were not able to complete the quantitative exposure assessment mainly due to the lack of information on the concentration of the nanomaterial in the products — a problem that regulators and industry will have to address if we are to have realistic exposure assessment in the future. To illustrate the workability of our procedure, we applied it to a product scenario — the application of sun lotion — using best estimates available and/or worst case assumptions. The quantity of the active substance on the skin per application for a 2 year old child is found be Ader = 260 mg for a particle concentration of 10% if the amounts applied correspond to the European Commission's recommendations on use of sunscreen. This value is about three times less than that for an adult. The potential worst case dermal uptake assuming full skin penetration is found to be 63 mg kg−1 bw day−1 for a particle concentration of 10% for a 2 years old child, which is twice the dermal uptake for an adult.1
A new technology will only be successful if those promoting it can show that it is safe, but hist... more A new technology will only be successful if those promoting it can show that it is safe, but history is littered with examples of promising technologies that never fulfilled their true potential and/or caused untold damage because early warnings about safety problems were ignored. The nanotechnology community stands to benefit by learning lessons from this history.
... This lesson may simply be summed up by saying "don't become so enam... more ... This lesson may simply be summed up by saying "don't become so enamoured by a new technology that you are blinded to alternative solutions". ... 97, 193–199 (1992). | Article | ChemPort |; Hansen, SF, Larsen, BH, Olsen, SI, & Baun, A. Nanotoxicology 1, 243–250 (2007). ...
Conducting environmental risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials has been an extremely challe... more Conducting environmental risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials has been an extremely challenging endeavor thus far. Moreover, recent findings from the nano-risk scientific community indicate that it is unlikely that many of these challenges will be easily resolved in the near future, especially given the vast variety and complexity of nanomaterials and their applications. As an approach to help optimize environmental risk assessments of nanomaterials, we apply the Worst-Case Definition (WCD) model to identify best estimates for worst-case conditions of environmental risks of two case studies which use engineered nanoparticles, namely nZVI in soil and groundwater remediation and C(60) in an engine oil lubricant. Results generated from this analysis may ultimately help prioritize research areas for environmental risk assessments of nZVI and C(60) in these applications as well as demonstrate the use of worst-case conditions to optimize future research efforts for other nanomaterials. Through the application of the WCD model, we find that the most probable worst-case conditions for both case studies include i) active uptake mechanisms, ii) accumulation in organisms, iii) ecotoxicological response mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell membrane damage or disruption, iv) surface properties of nZVI and C(60), and v) acute exposure tolerance of organisms. Additional estimates of worst-case conditions for C(60) also include the physical location of C(60) in the environment from surface run-off, cellular exposure routes for heterotrophic organisms, and the presence of light to amplify adverse effects. Based on results of this analysis, we recommend the prioritization of research for the selected applications within the following areas: organism active uptake ability of nZVI and C(60) and ecotoxicological response end-points and response mechanisms including ROS production and cell membrane damage, full nanomaterial characterization taking into account detailed information on nanomaterial surface properties, and investigations of dose-response relationships for a variety of organisms.
Nanomaterials and their associated technologies hold promising opportunities for the development ... more Nanomaterials and their associated technologies hold promising opportunities for the development of new materials and applications in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, environmental remediation, waste treatment, and energy conservation. However, current information regarding the environmental effects and health risks associated with nanomaterials is limited and sometimes contradictory. This article summarizes the conclusions of a 2008 NATO workshop designed to evaluate the wide-scale implications (e.g., benefits, risks, and costs) of the use of nanomaterials on human health and the environment. A unique feature of this workshop was its interdisciplinary nature and focus on the practical needs of policy decision makers. Workshop presentations and discussion panels were structured along four main themes: technology and benefits, human health risk, environmental risk, and policy implications. Four corresponding working groups (WGs) were formed to develop detailed summaries of the state-of-the-science in their respective areas and to discuss emerging gaps and research needs. The WGs identified gaps between the rapid advances in the types and applications of nanomaterials and the slower pace of human health and environmental risk science, along with strategies to reduce the uncertainties associated with calculating these risks.
Many policy frameworks for risk assessment of manufactured nanomate-rials have been developed wor... more Many policy frameworks for risk assessment of manufactured nanomate-rials have been developed worldwide. These frameworks range from voluntary methods and self-regulation to prescriptive regulation. In our view, the regulatory policies ideally need to include consideration of the risks and benefits of nanotech-nology, as well as risk perception and risk communication efforts. Further, the policies should: (a) take a holistic viewpoint, considering the entire lifecycle of a manufactured nanomaterial, including use, production, transport, and disposal, and (b) consider the ecological and human health effects for all of the reasonably foreseeable exposures. There is a need for adaptive management to allow reaction to new developments (e.g., new toxicology information) and to gain additional information through policy.1–2
... PP is neither a part of REACH nor will REACH be able to adequately protect health andenvironm... more ... PP is neither a part of REACH nor will REACH be able to adequately protect health andenvironment ([Meyer, 2004], [WWF, 2005] and ... In the same month, leading up to the second readings in the Parliament, the EP Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety ...
Exposure assessment is crucial for risk assessment for nanomaterials. We propose a framework to a... more Exposure assessment is crucial for risk assessment for nanomaterials. We propose a framework to aid exposure assessment in consumer products. We determined the location of the nanomaterials and the chemical identify of the 580 products listed in the inventory maintained by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, of which 37% used nanoparticles suspended in liquids, whereas 60 is currently only used as suspended nanoparticles in liquids and nanosilver is used more as surface bound nanoparticles than as particles suspended in liquids. Based on the location of the nanostructure we were able to further group the products into categories of: (1) expected, (2) possible, and (3) no expected exposure. Most products fall into the category of expected exposure, but we were not able to complete a quantitative exposure assessment mainly due to the lack of information on the concentration of the nanomaterial in the products—a problem that regulators and industry will have to address if we are to have realistic exposure assessment in the future. To illustrate the workability of our procedure, we applied it to four product scenarios using the best estimates available and/or worst-case assumptions. Using the best estimates available and/or worst-case assumptions we estimated the consumer exposure to be 26, 15, and 44 μg kg−1 bw year−1 for a facial lotion, a fluid product, and a spray product containing nanoparticles, respectively. The application of sun lotion containing 2% nanoparticles result in an exposure of 56.7 mg kg−1 bw d−1 for a 2-year-old child, if the amounts applied correspond to the European Commission recommendations on use of sunscreen.
Various stakeholders have acknowledged that uncertainty within determining the potential environm... more Various stakeholders have acknowledged that uncertainty within determining the potential environmental, health and safety (EHS) risks of nanomaterials (NM) may inhibit nanotechnology from reaching its full potential. A thorough description of such uncertainties is an ...
Exposure assessment is crucial for risk assessment for nanomaterials. We propose a framework to a... more Exposure assessment is crucial for risk assessment for nanomaterials. We propose a framework to aid exposure assessment in consumer products. We determined the location of the nanomaterials and the chemical identify of the 580 products listed in the inventory maintained by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. It was found that in 19% of the products the nanomaterial were nanoparticles bound to the surfaces. Nanoparticles suspended in liquids were used in 37% of the products, whereas 13% used nanoparticles suspended in solids. One percent were powders containing free potentially airborne nanoparticles. Based on the location of the nanostructure we were able to further group the products into categories of: (1) Expected to cause exposure; (2) May cause exposure; and (3) No expected exposure to the consumer. Most products fall into the category of expected exposure, but we were not able to complete the quantitative exposure assessment mainly due to the lack of information on the concentration of the nanomaterial in the products — a problem that regulators and industry will have to address if we are to have realistic exposure assessment in the future. To illustrate the workability of our procedure, we applied it to a product scenario — the application of sun lotion — using best estimates available and/or worst case assumptions. The quantity of the active substance on the skin per application for a 2 year old child is found be Ader = 260 mg for a particle concentration of 10% if the amounts applied correspond to the European Commission's recommendations on use of sunscreen. This value is about three times less than that for an adult. The potential worst case dermal uptake assuming full skin penetration is found to be 63 mg kg−1 bw day−1 for a particle concentration of 10% for a 2 years old child, which is twice the dermal uptake for an adult.1
A new technology will only be successful if those promoting it can show that it is safe, but hist... more A new technology will only be successful if those promoting it can show that it is safe, but history is littered with examples of promising technologies that never fulfilled their true potential and/or caused untold damage because early warnings about safety problems were ignored. The nanotechnology community stands to benefit by learning lessons from this history.
... This lesson may simply be summed up by saying "don't become so enam... more ... This lesson may simply be summed up by saying "don't become so enamoured by a new technology that you are blinded to alternative solutions". ... 97, 193–199 (1992). | Article | ChemPort |; Hansen, SF, Larsen, BH, Olsen, SI, & Baun, A. Nanotoxicology 1, 243–250 (2007). ...
Conducting environmental risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials has been an extremely challe... more Conducting environmental risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials has been an extremely challenging endeavor thus far. Moreover, recent findings from the nano-risk scientific community indicate that it is unlikely that many of these challenges will be easily resolved in the near future, especially given the vast variety and complexity of nanomaterials and their applications. As an approach to help optimize environmental risk assessments of nanomaterials, we apply the Worst-Case Definition (WCD) model to identify best estimates for worst-case conditions of environmental risks of two case studies which use engineered nanoparticles, namely nZVI in soil and groundwater remediation and C(60) in an engine oil lubricant. Results generated from this analysis may ultimately help prioritize research areas for environmental risk assessments of nZVI and C(60) in these applications as well as demonstrate the use of worst-case conditions to optimize future research efforts for other nanomaterials. Through the application of the WCD model, we find that the most probable worst-case conditions for both case studies include i) active uptake mechanisms, ii) accumulation in organisms, iii) ecotoxicological response mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell membrane damage or disruption, iv) surface properties of nZVI and C(60), and v) acute exposure tolerance of organisms. Additional estimates of worst-case conditions for C(60) also include the physical location of C(60) in the environment from surface run-off, cellular exposure routes for heterotrophic organisms, and the presence of light to amplify adverse effects. Based on results of this analysis, we recommend the prioritization of research for the selected applications within the following areas: organism active uptake ability of nZVI and C(60) and ecotoxicological response end-points and response mechanisms including ROS production and cell membrane damage, full nanomaterial characterization taking into account detailed information on nanomaterial surface properties, and investigations of dose-response relationships for a variety of organisms.
Nanomaterials and their associated technologies hold promising opportunities for the development ... more Nanomaterials and their associated technologies hold promising opportunities for the development of new materials and applications in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, environmental remediation, waste treatment, and energy conservation. However, current information regarding the environmental effects and health risks associated with nanomaterials is limited and sometimes contradictory. This article summarizes the conclusions of a 2008 NATO workshop designed to evaluate the wide-scale implications (e.g., benefits, risks, and costs) of the use of nanomaterials on human health and the environment. A unique feature of this workshop was its interdisciplinary nature and focus on the practical needs of policy decision makers. Workshop presentations and discussion panels were structured along four main themes: technology and benefits, human health risk, environmental risk, and policy implications. Four corresponding working groups (WGs) were formed to develop detailed summaries of the state-of-the-science in their respective areas and to discuss emerging gaps and research needs. The WGs identified gaps between the rapid advances in the types and applications of nanomaterials and the slower pace of human health and environmental risk science, along with strategies to reduce the uncertainties associated with calculating these risks.
Many policy frameworks for risk assessment of manufactured nanomate-rials have been developed wor... more Many policy frameworks for risk assessment of manufactured nanomate-rials have been developed worldwide. These frameworks range from voluntary methods and self-regulation to prescriptive regulation. In our view, the regulatory policies ideally need to include consideration of the risks and benefits of nanotech-nology, as well as risk perception and risk communication efforts. Further, the policies should: (a) take a holistic viewpoint, considering the entire lifecycle of a manufactured nanomaterial, including use, production, transport, and disposal, and (b) consider the ecological and human health effects for all of the reasonably foreseeable exposures. There is a need for adaptive management to allow reaction to new developments (e.g., new toxicology information) and to gain additional information through policy.1–2
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Papers by Steffen Foss Hansen