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 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 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
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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]
• 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
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
It’s nice to see someone doing something practical about nanotechnology safety
James Wheeler ‐ HSE’s nano‐guru
www.businessinsider.com
Conclusions
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Skip intro
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Skip intro
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‘In order to solve the problems of today, we need to think differently than we did
when we created them’Albert Einstein
Skip intro
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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
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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
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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“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
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The future of nanotechnology: we need to talk
2006>>2015?• Disaster recovery• Now we’re talking• Powering ahead
Nano Concrete
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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
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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
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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
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Skip Materials
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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.
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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• 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
Pilkington ActivSaint Gobain ‐ SGG BIOCLEANZhejiang Gaoming Glass Co
Skip MaterialsFotolia
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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
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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.
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
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Self‐Compacting Concrete (SCC)
Dave Rich EngD 2007Darren Richards CEM Grad 1994
Skip Materials
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Skip Materials
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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
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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www.safetyfloors.com/flooring/To Health
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And much more so outside construction…
Professor Sir Michael Pepper UCL – London Centre for nanotechnology3rd Gustave Eiffel Lecture, ICE, April 2014
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Russian Sunbathers: Will van Overbeek To Materials
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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
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…
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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To Health
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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
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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
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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
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So what?
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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Dust – Kerb cutting
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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
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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
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Growth in nano‐enabled products
Evidence of control effectiveness for nanomaterial production and
downstream use is scarce NIOSH 2014
To Materials
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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
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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
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Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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How do nanoparticles become ‘free’?
www.theconstructionindex.co.uk
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Nano Particles: Main potential risks
To Materials
Fotoliahttp://cherrycompanies.com/
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
** from literature and web-searches**Some are only at research stage
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Where nanomaterials are used most in construction NOW?
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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
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Window glass
Solar radiation
Heat
‘Self cleaning’ (photocatalytic) -titanium
Thermal insulation, ‘low e’
Fire protection -Silica
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Insulation – silica aerogel
“Most effective thermal insulator on
earth”
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http://ww
w.kevotherm
al.eu/index.php/applications/nanofloor-insulation
Nanosilica in insulation
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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Fotolia
Surface coatings
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Hydrophobic – e.g. silica
Surface coatings
Photocatalytic - titanium
Antimicrobial – e.g. silver
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Surface coatings
• Hydrophobic
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How do you know where nanomaterials are?• You often don’t!
….if a product does something new and exciting, it could be
nano‐enabled
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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/
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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…
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Fotolia Fotolia
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CNT composites for aerospace applications
Bellucci et al, Journal of Experimental Nanoscience2(3)193-206Sept 2007
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CNTs in coatings
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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Fotolia Fotolia
Silica
Crystalline silica Amorphous silica
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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)
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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Fotolia
Are all nanomaterials hazardous?
Amorphous silica
Carbon nanotubes
Current use in
construction
Hazard
SilverTitaniumAluminium
CrystallineSilica Dust
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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?
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What can we do about nano?
www.theconstructionindex.co.ukFotolia
What can YOU do about nano?
www.theconstructionindex.co.uk
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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”
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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/
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Elimination/substitution
Engineering controls
Work practices
PPE
e.g. LEV, Enclosure
e.g. water suppression
LEV: Local Exhaust Ventilation
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But, surely, these tiny particles will just go straight through dust masks…
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PPE: Masks DO work for nanomaterials!
Alistair Gibb - Loughborough University - IOSH Essex 6-17 07/06/2017
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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