Nanotechnology in the Construction Industry Social Dialogue meeting 21 Oct 2009

Transcription

1 Nanotechnology in the Construction Industry Social Dialogue meeting 21 Oct 2009 Fleur van Broekhuizen Pieter van Broekhuizen

2 Project Outline European Social Dialogue on Nanotechnology: Products at the market? Benefits? Nano-aspects and function in the product? Potential risks? Aim of the project: Identifing the knowledge level on NT Informing the construction industry about potentials of NT Informing the construction industry about potential exposure risks on-site Increasing awareness w.r.t. risk communication Suggestions for follow-up

3 Stakeholders Consulted Respondents Function In-depth interviews (%)* Type of organization 6 Employer 21 Construction Industry 4 Painter (worker, representative) 21 (raw) Product Manufacturers 4 Safety Adviser (worker, representative) 9 Branch Organizations 3 Various (worker, representative) 4 Architects 11 Not specified (worker, representative) 42 University R&D 38 Occupational health and safety advisors / Occupational hygienists (NL only) * 45 total number

4 Questionnaire Response Response = 28 (~ 20% ; workers (representatives) + employers) Target response = 144 (24 x 6) EU Countries = 14 %

5 Awareness on Working with Nano % %

6 Nanoproducts Indentified at Work 41 products were indicated of which cement and coatings where mentioned by different respondents Wall Wood Glass Road pavement Flame retardant material Ceramics Textile Composites Nanoadditives Reasons for use: Demanded skills: Effect on working activity: 1. Technical Performance 2. Customers Request None 1. None x 2. More protective measures --- 3x 3. More light --- 1x

7 Information Supply on Nanoproducts Only for 7 out of 41 products H&S info was provided 6 products mentioned by only one respondent MSDS does not necessarilly provide nano-specific information

8 Chain Communication Communication of nano down the chain

9 What is a Nanoproduct? Nanomaterials Nanoparticles (1-100nm) Nano shaped surfaces Nano holes/ Nano foam Nanoproducts Coatings Cement/concrete Glass Insulation material Infrastructure

10 The Nano House in Germany Einsatz von Nanotechnologien in Architectur und Bauwesen

11 Possible Health Risks 1. Exceptional lung transport (small NPs penetrate deep in the lungs) 2. High reactivity due to enlarged surface-to-mass ratio 3. Novel toxicity due to size and shape effect 4. Novel toxicity due to photo activation 5. Uncertainty about fate: - Penetration through the skin - Target organs - Neuron transport

12 Nanoparticles in Construction Products Product type Nanoparticles Notes Coatings TiO 2, ZnO, nano-ag, SiO 2, Al 2 O 3, nano-clay CNT are R&D level Cement and Concrete TiO 2, SiO 2 CNT are R&D level Glass TiO 2, SiO 2, WO 3, CFpolymers Coating or film; important distinction => Factory made or manually applied Insulation material SiO 2, Polyurethane Nano holes/foam; no nano risks Infrastructure TiO 2 Coating type of application Some first nano health and safety information is becoming available at this moment Very limited insight in nano health and safety

13 When may Exposure Risks be Expected Exposure risks might occur when: prepared on site by mixing/addining nano-materials (such as SiO2 for UHPC) applied on site (for example when spraying nano-coatings) being worked at on site: sanding, cutting, sawing, drilling (i.e. nano-painted surfaces, TiO2-concrete) cleaning up nano-product spills maintenance and cleaning of used equipment No exposure risks are expected when: placing prefab elements working with insulation material (nano-holes) brush application of coatings (inhalation)

14 Suggested Building Blocks for a Precautionary Nano Approach No data no exposure Notification nano product composition for manufacturers and suppliers 1. Declaration of type and amount of NP in the product to an independent body 2. Declaration of nano-content of product through the production chain Exposure registration for the workplace 1. Analogue to carcinogenics registration for nano-fibres and CMRS nanomaterials 2. Analogue to reprotox registration for other non-soluble nanomaterials Transparent risk communication 1. Information on MSDS on known nano-risks, management and knowledge gaps 2. Demand a Chemical Safety Report (REACH) for substances >1 ton/year/company Derivation of nano-oels, nano reference values* 1. fullerenes, SMCNT, MWCNT, Carbon Black, nano- polystyrene and dendrimers 2. Ag, Fe, TiO2, CeO2, ZnO, (amorphous)sio2, alumina, nanoclay Development of an early warning system

15 Nano Reference Values (benchemark exposure levels*) Cat Description Benchmark levels Remarks 1 Fibrous, insoluble NM 0,01 fibre/ml In analogy with asbestos 2 NM CMRS in its molecular or larger form 0,1 x OEL NM potential increased dissolving rate Safety factor 0,1 3 Insoluble or poorly soluble NM (not covered under i or ii OEL / 15 In analogy with NIOSH (2005) Increased surface increased reactivity SF = 1 / 15 (x 0,066) * As proposed by BSI (2007)

16 Control Banding (Paik et al. 2008) i.e.: -Workers exposed, -Type of work, -Frequency of work, -Duration of work i.e.: -Size, -Shape, -Nano-knowledge, -Toxicity parent material, -Concentration, -Dustyness

17 Project Ending 31 th of October 2009 Follow-up to be determined IVAM UvA BV Fleur van Broekhuizen Pieter van Broekhuizen Tel: