A Methodology for Evaluation and Selection of Nanoparticle Manufacturing Processes Based on Sustainability Metrics (original) (raw)
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Highlights
Nanotechnology has been defined as the control or restructuring of matter at the atomic and molecular levels in the size range of about 1-100 nanometers (nm); 100 nm is about 1/1000th the width of a hair. The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), begun in 2001 and focusing primarily on R&D, represents a cumulative investment of almost $20 billion, including the request for fiscal year 2014. As research continues and other nations increasingly invest in R&D, nanotechnology is moving from the laboratory to commercial markets, mass manufacturing, and the global marketplace-a trend with potential future import that some compare to history's introduction of technologies with major economic and societal impact, such as plastics and even electricity. Today, burgeoning markets, innovation systems, and nanomanufacturing activities are increasingly competitive in a global context-and the potential EHS effects of nanomanufacturing remain largely unknown.
Nanotechnology and Sustainability
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The expected future social and economic benefits linked to the area of nanotechnology will also have to include sustainability effects. This article outlines and presents an approach to prospective technology assessment and shaping and critically discusses results of the implementation of this approach to nanotechnology applications. Nanotechnology applications possess a large future potential for eco-efficiency. Nonetheless, potential risks resulting from adverse effects should certainly not be neglected. It is ostensibly the early stages of nanotechnology development that bear enormous leverage on the shaping of nanotechnology applications in line with future sustainability. The authors Michael Steinfeldt is a research fellow within the research field corporate environmental management at the Institute for ecological economy research (IOEW). Ulrich Petschow is head of the research field of ecological economics / environmental policy at the Institute for ecological economy research...
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2008
Technology assessment analyzes predicted or to-be-anticipated positive and negative effects of technologies, processes, and products using a well-established set of methods, including cost-benefit analysis, risk analysis, (eco-) toxicology, and life cycle assessment (LCA). These methods unfortunately require detailed information not only about the technology being investigated but also about the specific situation or application. In the case of an emerging technology such as nanotechnology, such information is generally lacking; therefore, a prospective assessment of nanotechnologies (opportunities as well as hazards) must find ways to adequately deal with the unknown. Striving to meet this challenge, we developed a three-tiered approach:
Environmental and Societal Impact of Nanotechnology
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The ability to measure, understand, manipulate, organize, engineer and control matter on the nanoscale has been opening up the wealth of possibilities that were otherwise non-existent at higher scales. At this scale, basic research principles and tools in biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering converge and have led to all-inclusive applications of nanotechnology. Despite the innovative applications and promising potentials of nanotechnology, there are concerns about its short and long-lasting impacts on humans, nature and the environment. In an attempt to address these concerns, a number of researches have been conducted. Evaluations of studies addressing the issues of nanotechnologies and their impacts are necessary to give insights for further studies that will advance the technology for the true benefit of mankind and nature. This study, thus, provides a detailed review of studies on nanotechnology applications and the positions of stakeholders on the impact of nanotechnology. Among other things, the outcome of this survey shows that there are numerous successful applications of nanotechnology. Public perceptions are pivotal in determining the extent of revolution and transformation that nanotechnology will have on the environment. Religious beliefs and moral concerns; trust in governmental regulatory agencies and the industry; the level of inclusion of the society in the product design, development, and commercialization process is critical to the extent of acceptance of nanotechnology inventions. Expression of objective views concerning the benefits, limitations & risks, and adequate education of the public, risk regulators & all stakeholders are crucial in determining the fate of nanotechnology.