WHAT IS A NANOMATERIAL?

• Main Authors: Ángela Camacho, Mario Zapata
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidad Nacional de Colombia 2017-03-01
• Series: Momento
• Subjects: Nanomateriales; Nanoseguridad; Nanotoxicología; Legislación.
• Online Access: https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/momento/article/view/63272

In many countries, it has been tried to define this concept and there are many proposals globally, but why is it important to have a precise definition of what NANOMATERIAL means? From the point of view of materials science definition can be very clear, a natural material or manufactured containing particles in unbound state or as an aggregate or agglomerate in combination with one or more external dimensions in the range comprised sizes from 1 to 100 nm. However, the need for a definition that can be used to establish legislation that protects living beings from the possible risks of sucking, inhaling or otherwise absorb these materials is increasingly urgent. Furthermore, this definition must be sufficiently broad and accurate to ensure the implementation of this concept. This paper presents a summary of the possible risks of using nanomaterials in numerous applications and growing unsecured it appears that the tests normally used in standard chemical compounds, are also suitable for nanomaterials. The efforts made so far worldwide to standardize test methods and establish best practices manuals are also shown. Some definitions adopted in Europe, the United States and Australia as a starting point to propose that meets the conditions of accuracy, completeness and accuracy in order to establish the appropriate methodology to ensure the safe use by workers and public in general and also protect the environment.