Top Banner
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017 1 Nanotechnology: the biggest health challenge for construction workers? IOSH Essex Branch – June 2017 Alistair Gibb Fotolia Skip intro Nano in 15 minutes [2016] Recent & Current OSH Research Projects Tideway Tracer [IOSH] – From Policy to Practice (Longitudinal) Design for Health [HiCLG] – Principal Designer Workshops DNRC [B&CE] – Micro learning from major projects Crossrail trickleacross [IOSH] Managing Nano in Construction [IOSH] SMEMicro OSH communication [IOSH] OSH knowledge flow in Networked Organisations [IOSH] Preconditioning for Success – London 2012 [HSE] OSH communication – London 2012 [IOSH] www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ng2DWGyj4U&feature=youtu.be Fotolia Nano & H&S Index page Construction health context Innovation context Innovative materials Innovative nano materials So what? Health problems Lboro nano research (MaNiC) Construction nano materials Particular nanotechnologies Carbon nanotubes Quantum Dots Graphene Nano concrete What can we DO about nano? Take Away Recent concerned reports Nanotechnology
35

Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Jun 26, 2020

Download

Documents

dariahiddleston
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

1

Nanotechnology:the biggest health challenge

for construction workers?

IOSH Essex Branch – June 2017

Alistair Gibb

Fotolia Skip intro

Nano in 15 minutes [2016]

Recent & Current OSH Research Projects

Tideway Tracer [IOSH] – From Policy to Practice (Longitudinal)

Design for Health [HiCLG] – Principal Designer WorkshopsDNRC [B&CE] – Micro learning from major projects

Crossrail trickle‐across [IOSH]

Managing Nano in Construction [IOSH]SME‐Micro OSH communication [IOSH]

OSH knowledge flow in Networked Organisations [IOSH]Preconditioning for Success – London 2012 [HSE]

OSH communication – London 2012 [IOSH]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ng2DWGyj4U&feature=youtu.be

FotoliaNano & H&S Index page

• Construction health context• Innovation context• Innovative materials• Innovative nano materials• So what? Health problems• Lboro nano research (MaNiC)• Construction nano materials• Particular nanotechnologies

– Carbon nanotubes– Quantum Dots– Graphene

• Nano concrete• What can we DO about nano?• Take Away• Recent concerned reports

Nan

otec

hnol

ogy

Page 2: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

2

https://player.vimeo.com/video/151709341Password: healthinconstruction1

Committing constructionto a healthier future

Protecting people from workplace

health risksOccupational hygiene

Promoting healthy lifestyle choicesWellbeing

Managing health of workers

Occupational health

It’s nice to see someone doing something practical about nanotechnology safety

James Wheeler ‐ HSE’s nano‐guru

www.businessinsider.com

Conclusions

Fotolia

Skip intro

Page 3: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

3

Fotolia

Skip intro

Fotolia

‘In order to solve the problems of today, we need to think differently than we did 

when we created them’Albert Einstein

Skip intro

Fotolia

Crossrail provides an opportunity to “raise the bar across the construction industry… we should be 'pulling' opportunities, and innovation, up through the supply chain”

Andrew Wholstenhome - CEO Crossrail

Skip intro

Fotolia

We’ve not been an innovator.  A lot of what we’ve done has been down to 

the execution of tried‐and‐tested techniques

Jason MillettCEO London 2012 Delivery Partner CLM

Skip intro

Page 4: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

4

Fotolia

“We must not forget that an idea which has not been tried may be 

a stupid one”

Michel Virlogeuxex‐ECI PresidentBridge Designer

Skip intro Nanologue, 2006

Fotolia

The future of nanotechnology: we need to talk

2006>>2015?• Disaster recovery• Now we’re talking• Powering ahead

Nano Concrete

Fotolia

Disaster recovery

• Mass protests about workers’ nano‐health

• Factory explosion releases nanoparticles into the environment

• Fish die due to nano in the water cycle

• Public outcry about contaminated drinking water

• Self‐diagnostic kits for consumers

Page 5: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

5

Fotolia

Now we’re talking

• Open communication between scientists & public

• Strong regulation & accountability

• Regs slow down nano expansion but world is safer

• TV programme looks at the hype around nano

Fotolia

Powering Ahead

• New technologies cause dramatic changes in energy market

• Spray‐on solar cells• Local energy facilities replace power stations

• Industrialised countries benefit from nano but the rest of the world lags behind

Fotolia

Skip Materials

Fotolia

Nano‐engineered window will clean itself and cut office heating bills20th January 2016

The prototype, revealed today, has conical nanostructures engraved on its surface that trap air and prevent all but a tiny amount of water coming into actual contact with the glass. It means that rain hitting the glass turns into balls and roll right off, carrying dirt with them.

The glass is also coated with a very thin (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps thermal radiation in and, during hot periods, keeps infrared radiation out. Vanadium dioxide is a cheap and abundant material, unlike silver-or gold-based coatings used by current energy-saving windows.

Researchers at University College London (UCL) claim that this “revolutionary” new type of window could cut cleaning costs in tall buildings and reduce heating bills by up to 40% thanks to a new combination of nano-scale engineering inspired by the eyes of moths, and thermochromiccoating.

Page 6: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

6

Fotolia

• A bridge spanning a major road in Barcelona will be coated in photocatalytic concrete, allowing it to "eat" pollution. The material uses energy from the sun to break down polluted air into little more than oxygen and water

• Photocatalytic concrete uses a titanium dioxide catalyst to break down smog and other pollution that has attached itself to the surface. 

• Photocatalysis,neutralises pollution and turns it into oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, nitrate and sulfate. Rain then washes away the pollution, which means the concrete rarely needs cleaning with 

harmful industrial chemicals.

www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-03/24/barcelona-sarajevo-bridge

Nano

Fotolia

Flexible solar cells

Quantum DotsFotolia

Fotolia

Accessed 10 15

Four alternate layers of zirconium oxide and silicon dioxide - the whole stack is less than 300 nanometres thick

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2014/april/72-solarpower.html

Fotolia

ww

w.a

libab

a.co

m/p

rodu

ct-g

s/25

9596

591/

self_

clea

ning

_gla

ss.h

tml

Self cleaning glass

Pilkington ActivSaint Gobain ‐ SGG BIOCLEANZhejiang Gaoming Glass Co

Skip MaterialsFotolia

Page 7: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

7

Fotolia

KalwallNanogel• High light transmission ‐great insulation properties –waterproof

• Nanogel is a translucent aerogel 

• Aerogel has a content of 5% solid and 95% air

–lightest solid in the world• Aerogel has extremely small pores

–one of the best thermal insulators in the world

Thetford Health Centre Highways Agency Control Centre

Cabot Corporation –Stoakes Systems in UK www.kalwall.com/aerogel.htm

Skip Materials

Fotolia

ACTIVair is our latest technology designed specifically to convert Volatile Organic Compounds(VOC) emissions into non‐harmful inert compounds, making the air around you up to 70% cleaner. This clever technology continues to work over 50 years, and whilst alternative solutions  absorb VOCs, they don’t decompose them like ACTIVair risking  re‐emission at a later date.

Also ACTIVair ceilings

www.british-gypsum.com/products/gyproc-duraline-with-activair-technology

Fotolia

ULTRA EVER DRY

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPM8OR6W

6WE

Ultra‐Ever Dry is a superhydrophobic (water) and oleophobic (hydrocarbons) coating that will 

completely repel almost any liquid. Ultra‐Ever Dry uses proprietary nanotechnology to coat an object and create a barrier of air on its surface. This barrier repels water, refined oil, wet concrete, and other liquids unlike any other coating. Ultra‐Ever Dry has vastly improved adhesion and abrasion resistance, compared to previous technologies, allowing it to be used in 

applications where greater durability is required.Skip Materials

Fotolia

Self‐Compacting Concrete (SCC)

Dave Rich EngD 2007Darren Richards CEM Grad 1994

Skip Materials

Page 8: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

8

Fotolia

Skip Materials

Fotolia

High‐strength bolts

FotoliaSkip Materials

Vanadium and molybdenum nanoparticles improve the delayed fracture problems associated with high strength bolts reducing the effects of hydrogen embrittlement and improving the steel micro-structure through reducing the effects of the inter-granular cementite phasehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nanotechnology_applications#Construction

Fotolia Fotolia

Image Courtesy Philip Baker APS

Page 9: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

9

Fotolia

www.safetyfloors.com/flooring/To Health

Fotolia

Fotolia

And much more so outside construction…

Professor Sir Michael Pepper UCL – London Centre for nanotechnology3rd Gustave Eiffel Lecture, ICE, April 2014

Fotolia

Russian Sunbathers: Will van Overbeek To Materials

Page 10: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

10

Fotolia

Characterization of edible coatings based                                                    on solid lipid nanoparticles by scanning                                                        electronic microscopy and their                                                                      influence on the shelf life of storage                                                              refrigerated guava.

M.L. Zambrano‐Zaragoza, E. Mercado‐Silva, A. González‐Velázquez, A. Álvarez‐ Cárdenas1 and D. Quintanar‐GuerreroUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Departamento de Ingeniería y Tecnología

www.actamicroscopica.org/.../Zambrano_Zaragoza_Ml.pdfTo Materials

www.nanosupermarket.org/

www.nanosupermarket.org/

NANO Supermarket presents speculative nanotech products that may hit the shelves within the next ten years: Medicinal

candy, interactive wall paint, programmable wine and more…

Page 11: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

11

To Health

Fotolia

What is nano?

Cafe Nano ‐ Karaköy, in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul

• Etymology of the prefix: νανος(nanos) dwarf

• SI unit in metric system: 1 nm = 10-9 m…-tera-giga-mega-kilo-milli-micro-nano-pico-…

Credit Bernd Friede, Elkem

Carbon nanotubes in composite matrices

Carbon nanotubes

Nanoparticles in a material matrix

Nanoparticles have at least one dimension in the range of 1–100 nm.

The diameter of human hair is ~80,000 nm

At nanoscale, fundamental mechanical, electrical, optical, and other properties can significantly

differ from the bulk material

Mo Song To Health

Fotolia

The diameter of a nanoparticle is to the diameter of a soccer ball as the soccer ball’s diameter is to the Earth’s. Green Technology Forum – Nanotechnology for Green Building, George Elvin, 2007 

Dimensions at the nanoscale

Page 12: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

12

Fotolia

Growth in nano‐enabled 

products

• 2006 ‐ 212 consumer products or product lines that incorporate nanomaterials 

• 2016 ‐ 862% increase (212 to 1,827 nano‐enabled products) from more than 24 nations [WWICS 2016] 

• Products include acne lotions, antimicrobial treatment for socks, sunscreens, food supplements, components for computer hardware (such as processors and video cards), appliance components, coatings, and hockey sticks. 

• Largest product category (908 products) is health and fitness. 

• Most common type of nanomaterial is silver (442 products), then  titanium (106) and  carbon (79) 

To Health

2014

Fotolia

So what?

Page 13: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

13

Fotolia

SizeAggregation

Electrical charge Solubility

ShapeAgglomeration

Chemistry

Should we be worried?Fotolia

How do the nanoparticles affect (or enter) the body (to affect it)?

www.theconstructionindex.co.uk

Morose, Gregory (2010) The five principles of “Design for Safer Nanotechnology”Journal of Cleaner production, Elsevier, Vol 18, pp 285‐289

Fotolialerablog.org

Fotoliaoffgridhomesweethome.blogspot.com

favim.com

Page 14: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

14

Fotolia

Dust – Kerb cutting

Fotolia

HSG272 July 2013www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg272.pdf

• This guidance is specifically about the manufacture and manipulation of all manufactured nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other biopersistent high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARNs). It has been prepared in response to emerging evidence about the toxicity of these materials.

• Emerging evidence indicates that exposure to some types of nanomaterial can cause inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs or skin inflammation. However, there is insufficient data to confirm the health consequences of long-term repeated exposure and more information is required to properly understand the conditions that produce such effects.

Emerging evidence of toxicity

Skip Reports

HSG272 July 2013www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg272.pdf

breathing skin contact

eyesswallowing

Each nano is different

Some are harmful, some less so

Skip Reports

Page 15: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

15

Fotolia

Growth in nano‐enabled products

Downstream activities that may release nanomaterials include bag dumping, manual transfer

between processes, mixing or compounding, powder sifting, and machining of parts that contain nanomaterials

NIOSH 2014

Potential exposure control approaches for commonly used processes include commercial technologies, such as a laboratory fume hood, or techniques

adopted from the pharmaceutical industry, such as continuous liner product bagging systems NIOSH 2014

To Materials To Materials

Nano Particles: Main potential risks

• Inhalation if particles become airborne

• Disposal of used or waste products

– Burning, biodegradation, landfill leaching, exposure to water supplies

• “The known risks seem to recommend a prudent approach to limiting exposures as nano-enhanced building materials and other products enter the market” [NBS]

To Materials

Fotolia

Growth in nano‐enabled products

Evidence of control effectiveness for nanomaterial production and

downstream use is scarce NIOSH 2014

To Materials

Page 16: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

16

Fotolia

Growth in nano‐enabled products

As this field continues to expand, it is paramount that the health and safety

of workers is protected NIOSH 2014

To Materials

Fotolia

Hazards News

Global:  Nano firms are putting workers at big risk  [9 11]

USA:  Lack of nano regulation ‘a danger’  [7 11]

Britain:  Warning on carbon nanotubes dangers  [2 11]

Australia:  Unions want nano labels  [10 09]

Global:  Deaths raise concerns over nano safety  [8 09]

Global:  Nanotubes can attack the immune system  [6 09]

Global:  You may never know its nano  [6 09]

Australia:  Unions demand nanotech law  [4 09]

Europe:  ‘No data, no market’ for nano  [4 09]

Australia:  Protect workers from nano risks  [4 09]

USA:  More damning evidence on nanotubes  [3 09]

To Materials

Fotolia

MaNiCManaging Nanotechnology in Construction

Man

ic_t

he_h

edge

hog_

by_d

raw

love

rlala

Fotolia

Page 17: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

17

IOSH-Lboro Managing Nano in Construction (ManNiC)

1. To catalogue products used in the built environment that incorporate nanoparticles

2. To catalogue the type(s) of nanoparticle in each product3. To equate the types of nano with the relevant hazard and

risk based on published data4. To establish the likely demolition and recycling techniques

for such products5. To test selected samples of such products to establish the

bioavailability of the nanoparticles from likely demolition and/or recycling techniques.

6. To produce guidance for IOSH practitioners and industry stakeholders on in built environment nanotechnologies

2014-152015-16

2016

So why was nano worth investigating?2011

• Nano is rapidly, but subliminally ‘invading’ the built environment

• But we don’t know what type of nano is where• In vitrotest tube and In vivomice research is raising health

concerns• We have no epidemiological evidence• Some nanos are of more concern than others

– Some may be ok at low doses– Others may be a problem at any dose

• Governments encourage prudent caution but do not say how

• Main concentration has been on manufacturing with nano

So why was nano worth investigating?2011

• We don’t know how easily nanoparticles become ‘free’ through the material’s lifecycle

• Demolition is the most aggressive ‘construction’ phase

• There will be learning for newbuild, maintenance & repair

• If we don’t know where they are and how easily they become available then we can’t do ANYTHING

• IF the lab-based research proves the worst case (or anything close) then we will be in trouble – if we don’t act NOW www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ng2DWGyj4U&feature=youtu.be

Page 18: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

18

How do nanoparticles become ‘free’?

www.theconstructionindex.co.uk

Fotolia

Nano Particles: Main potential risks

To Materials

Fotoliahttp://cherrycompanies.com/

Page 19: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

19

Fotoliawww.demoandgrading.com Fotoliaen.wikipedia.org

Fotolia

Nano Particles: Construction Applications **

• Nano‐cement CNT

• Self healing concreteCNT

• High strength compositesCNT

• Steel cables with copper nano‐particlesCNT

• High‐strength boltsCNT

• High‐strength welded jointsCNT/TiO2

• Fire protectionCNT

Sources NBS; Wikipedia

• Glass: self‐cleaningTiO2

• Glass: fire protective• ‘Paint’ coatingsClay

• e.g. Wi‐Fi blockers• Flexible solar panelsCNT

• Water filters??• Aerogel insulationPolymer

• Electronics • Ceramics

Nano‐scale Titanium dioxide (TiO2) (self cleaning properties) and carbon nanotubes  (extra strength properties) Examples:

** from literature and web-searches**Some are only at research stage

Fotolia

Where nanomaterials are used most in construction NOW?

Page 20: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

20

Fotolia

Nano-Concrete

Silica fume and nanosilica

Jubi

lee

Chu

rch,

Rom

e -

ww

w.c

oncr

eted

ecor

.net

Titanium dioxide

Nano-scale Titanium Dioxide captures dirt particles which are

washed away with rain

Fotolia

Window glass

Solar radiation

Heat

‘Self cleaning’ (photocatalytic) -titanium

Thermal insulation, ‘low e’

Fire protection -Silica

Fotolia

Insulation – silica aerogel

“Most effective thermal insulator on 

earth”

Fotolia

http://ww

w.kevotherm

al.eu/index.php/applications/nanofloor-insulation

Nanosilica in insulation

Page 21: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

21

Fotolia

Surface coatings

Fotolia

Hydrophobic – e.g. silica

Surface coatings

Photocatalytic - titanium

Antimicrobial – e.g. silver

Fotolia

Surface coatings

• Hydrophobic

Fotolia

How do you know where nanomaterials are?• You often don’t!

….if a product does something new and exciting, it could be 

nano‐enabled

Page 22: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

22

Which nanoparticles are morehazardous to health?

www.theconstructionindex.co.uk Assessment of different engineered nanomaterials in relation to their biological effects (health) based on published results in respect to different biological endpoints 

(adapted from Som et al, 2011)HEALTH

Sliv

erA

g

Zinc

ZnO

Tita

nium

TiO

2

Silic

aS

iO2

(am

orph

ous)

Alum

iniu

mA

l 2O3

Mon

tmor

illon

ite

Car

bon

nano

tube

sC

NT

Car

bon

Bla

ck C

B

Overall implications for health a c a a b b b cSpecific health aspects

Acute toxicity – + – – – – – – – +/-* +Chronic toxicity (long term effects to be expected) + + +/- – n.a. – – +* ++Impairment of DNA – + – – n.a. n.a. – +Crossing and damaging tissue barriers n.a. n.a. + + –# n.a. – +

Brain damage: damage of the central nervous system n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Skin – – – – – – – – n.a. n.a. – –Gastrointestinal tract – +/- – – n.a. – – –Respiratory tract – + – – – n.a. + +Legend: a) rather safe[1]; b)uncertain due to weak evidence; c) biological effects detectable+ applies to; +/- weak evidence available; – does not apply to; n.a. no data available (high uncertainty)* depends often on contaminants in the samples (especially transition metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt etc)# AlOOH was explored in the lungs

[1] Rather safe is the description used by Som et al and so has been retained here.  However, as a principle, the authors of this paper would choose not to use this term.

Assessment of different engineered nanomaterials in relation to their biological effects (health) based on published results in respect to different biological endpoints 

(adapted from Som et al, 2011)HEALTH

Sliv

erA

g

Zinc

ZnO

Tita

nium

TiO

2

Silic

aS

iO2

(am

orph

ous)

Alum

iniu

mA

l 2O3

Mon

tmor

illon

ite

Car

bon

nano

tube

sC

NT

Car

bon

Bla

ck C

B

Overall implications for health a c a a b b b cSpecific health aspects

Acute toxicity – + – – – – – – – +/-* +Chronic toxicity (long term effects to be expected) + + +/- – n.a. – – +* ++Impairment of DNA – + – – n.a. n.a. – +Crossing and damaging tissue barriers n.a. n.a. + + –# n.a. – +

Brain damage: damage of the central nervous system n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Skin – – – – – – – – n.a. n.a. – –Gastrointestinal tract – +/- – – n.a. – – –Respiratory tract – + – – – n.a. + +Legend: a) rather safe[1]; b)uncertain due to weak evidence; c) biological effects detectable+ applies to; +/- weak evidence available; – does not apply to; n.a. no data available (high uncertainty)* depends often on contaminants in the samples (especially transition metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt etc)# AlOOH was explored in the lungs

[1] Rather safe is the description used by Som et al and so has been retained here.  However, as a principle, the authors of this paper would choose not to use this term.

Only covering textiles and facade coatings

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/

Page 23: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

23

Fotolia

en.wikipedia.org

Mo Song, Lboro

www.playle.com/Fotolia

What can we do?

Fotolia

Mesothelioma Deaths

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040

Projected DeathsDeathsAsbestos Use

Chris Pugh (2006) Improving occupational health risk management through increased project team integration, in 

Reducing Occupational Health Risks in Construction, Institution of Civil Engineers, London What can we do?

Fotolia

“Effective phagocytosis”

“Frustrated phagocytosis”

Phagocyte

The problem with fibres…

Page 24: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

24

Fotolia

So, we need to look more closely at fibres….

• Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)

Fotolia

1-3 nm

Carbon nanotubes

SWCNT 1-3 nm

MWCNT 25-100 nm

Fotolia

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)

• Discovered in 1991• several hundred tons of nanotubes are manufactured each year 

• Little used in the                     built environment              at the moment

• But lots of talk                        about the future

Fotolia

Carbon Nanotubes

• “Traditional carbon fibre is strong but also brittle, in bending, making it difficult to use

• Carbon nanotube fibre is much tougher and more flexible• It can be used like yarn – you can weave it together and even tie a knot in it without weakening it”

EPSRC Pioneer 2013

Mo Song

Skip Nanotubes

Page 25: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

25

Fotolia

Carbon NanotubesHealth and Safety risk

“Nanotubes might present a pulmonary risk for people who handle them in manufacturing,” indicates Bernard Pipy from INSERM.

“They act as small and very delicate particles, like dust. Because of their size, carbon nanotubes could bypass the macrophage system and settle deep in the lungs.”

The Good, the Bad, and the Tiny [CNRS]www2.cnrs.fr/en/874.htm

Skip Nanotubes

Fotolia

Carbon Nanotubes Impact on theenvironment

“Whether or not nanotubes pollute also depends on how manufacturers have produced them. Studies have revealed the need to differentiatebetween the toxicity of nanotubes and that of the metallic catalyst residue remaining in the tubes as a result of the production process.”

The Good, the Bad, and the Tiny [CNRS]www2.cnrs.fr/en/874.htm

Skip Nanotubes

High concern

Precautionary approach

Uncertain risks

Toxicity not fully investigated

Occupational exposure

Skip Nanotubes

Fotolia

Carbon NanotubesMost likely mass use: transparent                                                                                                conductive films to replace  expensive indium tin oxide (ITO)Single walled CNT 1‐5nm thick, multi‐walled 10’s nm thick

Uncontrolled manufactured CNTs are typically several micrometres long and bundled like fibres in a rope then tangled together like spaghettiMax performance requires straight, long CNTs ‐ Length for maximum conductivity 20 micrometres

Companies like Linde are developing methods of commercially untangling and straightening CNTs, focussing on single‐walled 20micrometres long tubes – BUT THESE ARE THE TYPES THAT ARE BEING ACCUSED OF BEING LIKE ASBESTOS

Skip Nanotubes

Page 26: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

26

Fotolia Fotolia

Fotolia

CNT composites for aerospace applications

Bellucci et al, Journal of Experimental Nanoscience2(3)193-206Sept 2007

Fotolia

CNTs in coatings

Page 27: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

27

Fotolia

CNTs in concrete

http

://w

ww

.ede

nene

rgy.

com

.au/

pdfs

/ae8

dd43

a3a9

1b28

2091

45a4

28b8

7e3b

8.pd

f

11th August 2015 - I 20, Georgia, USA

Fotolia

www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/stronger‐and‐cleaner‐concrete‐enriched‐by‐eden‐s‐caccessed 15/09/14

Fotolia

http

://w

ww

.ede

nene

rgy.

com

.au/

pdfs

/ae8

dd43

a3a9

1b28

2091

45a4

28b8

7e3b

8.pd

f

http://edeninnovations.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/20161215ASX-Announcement-EdenCrete-First-European-Order.pdf

Nanotechnology and ConcreteNano‐silica

www.theconstructionindex.co.uk

Page 28: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

28

Particle size‐scale related to concrete (Adapted from Birgisson 2008)

Coarse aggregates

Natural sand

Aggregate finesPortland cement

Fly ash

Metakaolin

Finely ground mineral additives

Silica fume

Nanosilica

Precipitated silica

Nano-Engineered Concrete

High-Strength/High-Performance Concrete

Conventional Concrete1,000,000 -

100,000 -

10,000 -

1,000 -

100 -

10 -

1 -

0.1 -

0.01 - I

100,000,000I

10,000,000I

1,000,000I

100,000I

10,000I

1,000I

100I

10I

1

Particle Size, nm

Specific surface area m2/kg

Assessment of different engineered nanomaterials in relation to their biological effects (health) based on published results in respect to different biological endpoints 

(adapted from Som et al, 2011)HEALTH

Sliv

erA

g

Zinc

ZnO

Tita

nium

TiO

2

Silic

aS

iO2

(am

orph

ous)

Alum

iniu

mA

l 2O3

Mon

tmor

illon

ite

Car

bon

nano

tube

sC

NT

Car

bon

Bla

ck C

B

Overall implications for health a c a a b b b cSpecific health aspects

Acute toxicity – + – – – – – – – +/-* +Chronic toxicity (long term effects to be expected) + + +/- – n.a. – – +* ++Impairment of DNA – + – – n.a. n.a. – +Crossing and damaging tissue barriers n.a. n.a. + + –# n.a. – +

Brain damage: damage of the central nervous system n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Skin – – – – – – – – n.a. n.a. – –Gastrointestinal tract – +/- – – n.a. – – –Respiratory tract – + – – – n.a. + +Legend: a) rather safe[1]; b)uncertain due to weak evidence; c) biological effects detectable+ applies to; +/- weak evidence available; – does not apply to; n.a. no data available (high uncertainty)* depends often on contaminants in the samples (especially transition metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt etc)# AlOOH was explored in the lungs

[1] Rather safe is the description used by Som et al and so has been retained here.  However, as a principle, the authors of this paper would choose not to use this term.

Only covering textiles and facade coatings

it was suggested that…. – the nano sized silica particle had a toxic effect on the mouse liver 

– there was no significant health effect from the micro‐silica particles

Effect of micro/nano silica particle feeding for miceSJ So, IS Jang, CS Han 

Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology, 8/10 2008, 5367‐5371‐ ingentaconnect.com

SiO2 nano‐particles were found to exhibit size‐dependent toxicity toward the alga, Chlorella kessleri.

Size‐dependent toxicity of silica nano‐particles to Chlorella kessleriFujiwara, Suematsu, Kiyomiya, Aoki, Sato & Moritoki

Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Volume 43, Issue 10, 2008, pp 1167‐1173

botany.natur.cuni.cz

Page 29: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

29

Fotolia Fotolia

Silica

Crystalline silica Amorphous silica

Fotolia

When is nano not nano?

Mork & MindyNa-Nu! Na-Nu!

Robin Williams 1951-2014

False Positives?

“The EMACO® Nanocrete range, the next generation of concrete repair mortars with exceptional properties are marketed as nano‐products but appear to be non‐nano from an in‐depth interview with BASF.”

Nanotechnology in the European Construction Industry ‐ State of the art 2009F.A. van Broekhuizen and J.C. van BroekhuizenEFBWW (European Federation of Building and Wood Workers) and the FIEC(European Construction Industry Federation)

Page 30: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

30

Fotolia

Are all nanomaterials hazardous?

Amorphous silica

Carbon nanotubes

Current use in

construction

Hazard

SilverTitaniumAluminium

CrystallineSilica Dust

Fotolia

So, if nano is so bad, why don’t they just ban it?

• Nano particles exist anyway in ‘nature’– e.g. bacteria; viruses

• Nano particles can be created from ‘normal’ materials by traditional means

– e.g. burning/melting etc• Nano is ubiquitous – even if you wanted to, you couldn’t ban it• Much of what nano enables is really positive• To the lay person the fact that it is so small that you can’t see it is a main part of the ‘worry’

• But it isn’t just the size of manufactured nanoparticles that is problematic but their proportions

What can we do?

Fotolia

What can we do about nano?

www.theconstructionindex.co.ukFotolia

What can YOU do about nano?

www.theconstructionindex.co.uk

Page 31: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

31

Fotolia

What can we do?

“Baselricky Council pays us to MINIMISE RISK, even where no such risk exists”

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01s5l34/The_Wright_Way_The_Rogue_Speed_Bump/7:10min 23/4/13 Ben Elton

“Always use acronyms they speed communications and thus increase efficiency”

Static Seesaw

What can we do?

Fotolia

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37276219

Page 32: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

32

Fotolia

What can we do?

Fotolia

Prudence…• Discernment• Knowledge• Wisdom • Insight

What can we do?

Fotolia

So what can we do about nano?

• Keeping researching IOSH / eci SHE TF

• Clarify which are worse• Know how the particles                          are released

• Develop methods of                              protection

www.myfootstepsinchess.com/

Fotolia

So what can be done NOW about nano?

Clients, Designers & Specifiers• Know which nano are in which components• Know where they are• Tell people where they are

– CDM H&S File– BIM

www.myfootstepsinchess.com/

Page 33: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

33

Fotolia

Nano‐technologies

Morose, Gregory (2010) The 5 principles of “Design for Safer Nanotechnology” Journal of Cleaner production, Elsevier, Vol 18, pp 285-289

To Materials

Fotolia

These are key to how hazardous a particular nanotechnology is

Replace the main material or the nanowith a less hazardous one

Change or improve bonding of the nano

Enclose the nanowithin another material

Use less – cf. mercury in fluorescent lamps

Morose, Gregory (2010) The 5 principles of “Design for Safer Nanotechnology” Journal of Cleaner production, Elsevier, Vol 18, pp 285-289

To Materials

Fotolia

What should we do NOW?(What should YOU do NOW?)

• Current EU/UK law does not require nano to be reported or labelled

• HSE recommends a ‘precautionary approach’

• Consider hierarchy of control

• Protect against existing construction hazards

Elimination/substitution

Engineering controls

Work practices

PPE

Fotolia

Nano Elimination/Substitution

• Is this always the best way forward?

• Not necessarily ‐ balance the benefits and the risks!

http://mvforward.org/7-2/18-mv-project-workers-tying-rebar-together

Page 34: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

34

Fotolia

So what can we do NOW about nano?

Clients, Designers & Specifiers• Know which nano are in which components• Know where they are• Tell people where they are

– CDM H&S File– BIM

Contractors• Find out which nano are in which components

• Find out where they are• Manage their use

www.myfootstepsinchess.com/

Fotolia

Elimination/substitution

Engineering controls

Work practices

PPE

e.g. LEV, Enclosure

e.g. water suppression

LEV: Local Exhaust Ventilation

Fotolia

But, surely, these tiny particles will just go straight through dust masks…

Fotolia

PPE: Masks DO work for nanomaterials!

Page 35: Nanotechnology: Recent & Current OSH Research Projects › media › 2164 › nanotechnology-essex-june-2017.pdf · (5-10 nm) film of vanadium dioxide which in cold periods keeps

Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017

35

Fotolia Fotolia

Take home nano‐messages• Nano is intrinsically neither                                                                ‘safe’ nor ‘hazardous’

• The HSE advises a precautionary approach • Health risk is dose‐related• Nanomaterials are currently used in a small number of applications and in small quantities

• Protecting against known hazards such as silica, lead, asbestos (whether nano or not) remains critical

• Existing control methods are likely to be protective against currently used‐nanomaterials

• When nano fibre use increases (e.g. CNTs) this may well be more problematic

Fotolia

Nanotechnology:the biggest health challenge

for construction workers?

[email protected]

Alistair Gibb

Fotolia Skip intro

Nano in 15 minutes [2016]