Pollution from nanomaterials

Groups opposing the installation of nanotechnology laboratories in Grenoble, France, spraypainted their opposition on a former fortress above the city in 2007.

Nanomaterials can be both incidental and engineered. Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are nanoparticles that are made for use, are defined as materials with dimensions between 1 and 100nm, for example in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals like zinc oxide and TiO2 as well as microplastics.[1] Incidental nanomaterials are found from sources such as cigarette smoke and building demolition.[2] Engineered nanoparticles have become increasingly important for many applications in consumer and industrial products, which has resulted in an increased presence in the environment. This proliferation has instigated a growing body of research into the effects of nanoparticles on the environment. Natural nanoparticles include particles from natural processes like dust storms, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and ocean water evaporation.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference ISO was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Jeevanandam-2018 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).