Nanotechnology: Consequences for Human Health & the Environment (Issues in Environmental Science and Technology) [Hardcover]

Ronald E. Hester (Editor), Roy M. Harrison (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 18, 2007 | Series: Issues in Environmental Science and Technology (Book 24)

This volume provides comprehensive coverage of the current issues concerning engineered nanoparticles and offers a broad overview of the sources, behavior and risks associated with nanotechnology. Coverage first describes the current range of products containing nano-materials and then looks at the consequences for the environment and human health for the introduction of nanoparticles and nano-tubes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Are nano - particles safe?

Nanotechnology: Consequences for human health and the environment
R.E. Hester, R.M. Harrison (Eds.) 
RSC Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2007, 34pp, (HB) ISBN 9780854042166 

Reviewed by Dennis Rouvray

Nanotechnology is still a futuristic rather than a contemporary industry and may at present be said to be at an evolutionary stage rather than a revolutionary one. However, it is unlikely to be long before all of this changes dramatically. In fact the rapid advances expected to be made in this technology over the next decade has led one leading US economic forecaster to conclude that the worldwide manufacture and sale of nanotechnological products will total around $2.6 trillion by the year 2014.  

With such a seductive prospect just around the corner, it seems opportune to ask whether there may be a downside to this anticipated development. One major problem belatedly receiving urgent attention is that nanoparticles pose a serious health risk to those exposed to them - and that there appears to be no minimum threshold below which such exposure is harmless. 

The present book takes a careful look at the hazards posed by nanoparticles and makes a balanced assessment of the benefits and disadvantages of forging ahead with large-scale nanotechnology. It stresses that there are still many gaps in our knowledge of the toxicological effects of nanoparticles and that further research is urgently needed. 

Nanoparticles' main point of entry into the body is via the inhalation of air polluted by a variety of combustion processes, including the operation of waste incineration plants and vehicle engines. It seems that upon entering the human body, nanoparticles cause oxidative stress and induce inflammation that subsequently spreads from the original site of deposition. The eventual consequences can be severe and range from asthma, through cancer to heart attacks. 

Because of the timely and important message it contains, this is a work that I feel should be read by all those who may be contemplating any activity that involves contact with nanoparticles.

Chemistry World. 2008. 5(2), p.p.64

Book Description

This volume seeks to give a broad overview of the sources, behaviour and risks associated with nanotechnology. Setting the subject into context, the current range of products containing nano-materials are described followed by the consequences for the environment and human health in relation to the introduction of nanoparticles and nanotubes. An international perspective on how the threats posed by nanoparticles are being addressed is offered along with comprehensive coverage of the current issues concerning engineered nanoparticles. This book will be of immediate value to scientists, engineers and policymakers within the field, as well as to students on advanced courses.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 134 pages
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry; 1 edition (July 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0854042164
• ISBN-13: 978-0854042166
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,280,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)