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A Qualitative and Quantitative Occupational Exposure Risk Assessment to Hazardous Substances during Powder-Bed Fusion Processes in Metal-Additive Manufacturing. SAFETY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/safety8020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal-additive manufacturing (AM), particularly the powder-bed fusion (PBF) technique, is undergoing a transition from the short-run production of components to higher-volume manufacturing. The industry’s increased production efficiency is paired with a growing awareness of the risks related to the inhalation of very fine metal powders during PBF and AM processes, and there is a pressing need for a ready-to-use approach to assess the risks and the occupational exposure to these very final metal powders. This article presents a study conducted in an AM facility, which was conducted with the aim to propose a solution to monitor incidental airborne particle emissions during metal AM by setting up an analytical network for a tailored approach to risk assessment. Quantitative data about the respirable and inhalable particle and metal content were obtained by gravimetric and ICP-MS analyses. In addition, the concentrations of airborne particles (10–300 nm) were investigated using a direct reading instrument. A qualitative approach for risk assessment was fulfilled using control banding Nanotool v2.0. The results show that the operations in the AM facility are in line with exposure limit levels for both micron-sized and nano-sized particles. The particulate observed in the working area contains metals, such as chromium, cobalt, and nickel; thus, biological monitoring is recommended. To manage the risk level observed for all of the tasks during the AM process, containment and the supervision of an occupational safety expert are recommended to manage the risk. This study represents a useful tool that can be used to carry out a static evaluation of the risk and exposure to potentially harmful very fine metal powders in AM; however, due to the continuous innovations in this field, a dynamic approach could represent an interesting future perspective for occupational safety.
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Pectin Microspheres: Synthesis Methods, Properties, and Their Multidisciplinary Applications. CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/chemistry4010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is great contemporary interest in using cleaner technologies through green chemistry and utilizing biopolymers as raw material. Pectin is found on plant cell walls, and it is commonly extracted from fruit shells, mostly apples or citrus fruits. Pectin has applications in many areas of commercial relevance; for this reason, it is possible to find available information about novel methods to transform pectin and pursuing enhanced features, with the structuring of biopolymer microspheres being highly cited to enhance its activity. The structuring of polymers is a technique that has been growing in recent decades, due to its potential for diverse applications in various fields of science and technology. Several techniques are used for the synthesis of microspheres, such as ionotropic gelation, extrusion, aerosol drying, or emulsions, with the latter being the most commonly used method based on its reproducibility and simplicity. The most cited applications are in drug delivery, especially for the treatment of colon diseases and digestive-tract-related issues. In the industrial field, it is used for protecting encapsulated compounds; moreover, the environmental applications mainly include the bioremediation of toxic substances. However, there are still many possibilities for expanding the use of this biopolymer in the environmental field.
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Sustainability Ranking of Desalination Plants Using Mamdani Fuzzy Logic Inference Systems. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12020631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As water desalination continues to expand globally, desalination plants are continually under pressure to meet the requirements of sustainable development. However, the majority of desalination sustainability research has focused on new desalination projects, with limited research on sustainability performance of existing desalination plants. This is particularly important while considering countries with limited resources for freshwater such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it is heavily reliant on existing desalination infrastructure. In this regard, the current research deals with the sustainability analysis of desalination processes using a generic sustainability ranking framework based on Mamdani Fuzzy Logic Inference Systems. The fuzzy-based models were validated using data from two typical desalination plants in the UAE. The promising results obtained from the fuzzy ranking framework suggest this more in-depth sustainability analysis should be beneficial due to its flexibility and adaptability in meeting the requirements of desalination sustainability.
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Rycroft T, Wood M, Zemba V, Kennedy A, Weiss C, Desmet D, Ali R, Linkov I. Assessing the sustainability of advanced materials using multicriteria decision analysis and the triple bottom line. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2019; 15:1021-1028. [PMID: 31393089 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although advanced materials (AdMs) are beneficial in many applications, questions remain as to whether they are more or less sustainable than the conventional materials that they may replace. Currently, there is no available tool to provide clarity to these questions. Traditional approaches for evaluating the sustainability of a chemical or material are usually not standardized, and as a result, the metrics used in sustainability measurements are subjective and often vary from assessor to assessor. Additionally, sustainability characterizations resulting from these approaches are typically presented qualitatively and are often vaguely drawn, making it difficult to confidently and transparently conclude that 1 material is more sustainable than another. This paper aims to address these gaps by enabling stakeholders involved in the production, use, or governance of AdMs to assess the sustainability of AdMs in a consistent, objective, and quantitative way using a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA)-based model. The model proposed herein adapts a triple-bottom-line (TBL) framework from the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and incorporates criteria weights identified through a stakeholder values assessment conducted by surveying AdM practitioners. Results from the stakeholder values assessment show that the perceived importance of the economic component of the TBL varies the most across stakeholders, and that practitioners providing responses from the perspective of a nongovernmental environmental advocacy group or a regulator of AdMs such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency were more likely to score and weigh economic indicators lower and environmental indicators higher compared to when responding from a business owner perspective. The resulting MCDA-based model allows stakeholders to assess the sustainability of an AdM or AdM-enabled product and compare it to product alternatives, predict how other stakeholders might score a product by identifying the extent to which components of the TBL are valued by other stakeholders, and identify which subcriteria contribute most to an improvement in a product's sustainability score. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1-8. © 2019 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Rycroft
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi
| | - Matthew Wood
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Performance Assessment Technologies Division, Aptima Inc, Woburn, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Valerie Zemba
- Contractor to the Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Concord, Massachusetts
| | - Alan Kennedy
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi
| | - Charles Weiss
- Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi
| | - David Desmet
- Contractor to the Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Concord, Massachusetts
| | - Rahim Ali
- Contractor to the Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Concord, Massachusetts
| | - Igor Linkov
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi
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6
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Semenzin E, Giubilato E, Badetti E, Picone M, Volpi Ghirardini A, Hristozov D, Brunelli A, Marcomini A. Guiding the development of sustainable nano-enabled products for the conservation of works of art: proposal for a framework implementing the Safe by Design concept. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:26146-26158. [PMID: 31280439 PMCID: PMC6717188 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05819-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology provides innovative and promising solutions for the conservation of cultural heritage, but the development and application of new nano-enabled products pose concerns regarding their human health and environmental risks. To address these issues, we propose a sustainability framework implementing the Safe by Design concept to support product developers in the early steps of product development, with the aim to provide safer nano-formulations for conservation, while retaining their functionality. In addition, this framework can support the assessment of sustainability of new products and their comparison to their conventional chemical counterparts if any. The goal is to promote the selection and use of safer and more sustainable nano-based products in different conservation contexts. The application of the proposed framework is illustrated through a hypothetical case which provides a realistic example of the methodological steps to be followed, tailored and iterated along the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Semenzin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venice, Italy.
| | - Elisa Giubilato
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Elena Badetti
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Marco Picone
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Annamaria Volpi Ghirardini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Danail Hristozov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Andrea Brunelli
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Antonio Marcomini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Venice, Italy
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7
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Risk Governance of Nanomaterials: Review of Criteria and Tools for Risk Communication, Evaluation, and Mitigation. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9050696. [PMID: 31060250 PMCID: PMC6566360 DOI: 10.3390/nano9050696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnologies have been increasingly used in industrial applications and consumer products across several sectors, including construction, transportation, energy, and healthcare. The widespread application of these technologies has raised concerns regarding their environmental, health, societal, and economic impacts. This has led to the investment of enormous resources in Europe and beyond into the development of tools to facilitate the risk assessment and management of nanomaterials, and to inform more robust risk governance process. In this context, several risk governance frameworks have been developed. In our study, we present and review those, and identify a set of criteria and tools for risk evaluation, mitigation, and communication, the implementation of which can inform better risk management decision-making by various stakeholders from e.g., industry, regulators, and the civil society. Based on our analysis, we recommend specific methods from decision science and information technologies that can improve the existing risk governance tools so that they can communicate, evaluate, and mitigate risks more transparently, taking stakeholder perspectives and expert opinion into account, and considering all relevant criteria in establishing the risk-benefit balance of these emerging technologies to enable more robust decisions about the governance of their risks.
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8
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Kadzinski M, Cinelli M, Ciomek K, Coles SR, Nadagouda MN, Varma RS, Kirwan K. Co-constructive development of a green chemistry-based model for the assessment of nanoparticles synthesis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH 2018; 264:472-490. [PMID: 30319170 PMCID: PMC6178848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2016.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials (materials at the nanoscale, 10-9m) are extensively used in several industry sectors due to the improved properties they empower commercial products with. There is a pressing need to produce these materials more sustainably. This paper proposes a MCDA approach to assess the implementation of green chemistry principles as applied to the protocols for nanoparticles synthesis. In the presence of multiple green and environmentally oriented criteria, decision aiding is performed with a synergy of ordinal regression methods; preference information in the form of desired assignment for a subset of reference protocols is accepted. The classification models, indirectly derived from such information, are composed of an additive value function and a vector of thresholds separating the pre-defined and ordered classes. The method delivers a single representative model that is used to assess the relative importance of the criteria, identify the possible gains with improvement of the protocol's evaluations and classify the non-reference protocols. Such precise recommendation is validated against the outcomes of robustness analysis exploiting the sets of all classification models compatible with all maximal subsets of consistent assignment examples. The introduced approach is used with real-world data concerning silver nanoparticles. It is proven to effectively resolve inconsistency in the assignment examples, tolerate ordinal and cardinal measurement scales, differentiate between inter- and intra-criteria attractiveness and deliver easily interpretable scores and class assignments. This work thoroughly discusses the learning insights that MCDA provided during the co-constructive development of the classification model, distinguishing between problem structuring, preference elicitation, learning, modeling and problem-solving stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milosz Kadzinski
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poland
| | - Marco Cinelli
- WMG, International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Institute of Advanced Study, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Krzysztof Ciomek
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poland
| | - Stuart R Coles
- WMG, International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rajender S Varma
- Sustainable Technology Division, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Kerry Kirwan
- WMG, International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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9
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Musee N. A model for screening and prioritizing consumer nanoproduct risks: A case study from South Africa. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 100:121-131. [PMID: 28089582 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The potential risks of the increasing variety and volume of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) entering into the ecosystem remain poorly quantified. In recent years, information essential to evaluate the ecological risks of ENMs has increased. However, the data are highly fragmented, limited, or severely lacking. This limits the usefulness of the information to support holistic screening and prioritization of potentially harmful ENMs. To screen and prioritize ENMs risks, we adopted a two-phased approach. First, a holistic framework model was developed to integrate a diverse set of factors aimed to assess the potential hazard, exposure, and in turn, risk to the ecosystem of ENMs from a given consumer nanoproduct. Secondly, using published literature we created a database of consumer nanoproduct categories, and types based on embedded ENMs type. The database consisted of eight consumer product categories, eleven different types of ENMs, and twenty-three nanoproduct types. The model results indicates the largest quantities of ENMs were released from sunscreens, textiles, cosmetics and paints with dominant ENMs quantities in descending order (based on quantity) as nTiO2>nZnO>nSiO2>nAg, and nFe2O3. In addition, according to the results from this study, nAg from washing machine were found to likely the highest risk to the environment. Overall, our model-derived results based on the case study illustrated: (i) the holistic framework's ability to screen, prioritize, rank, and compare ENMs potential exposure and risks among different nanoproducts categories and types, (ii) the derived risk estimations could support nanowastes classification with likelihood of non-uniformity of nanowastes classes even from the same nanoproduct category (e.g. cosmetics), and (iii) the lack of a mass-based criteria specific for EMNs impedes realistic exposure and risk evaluation in the ecological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndeke Musee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Murphy F, Sheehan B, Mullins M, Bouwmeester H, Marvin HJP, Bouzembrak Y, Costa AL, Das R, Stone V, Tofail SAM. A Tractable Method for Measuring Nanomaterial Risk Using Bayesian Networks. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2016; 11:503. [PMID: 27848238 PMCID: PMC5110451 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-016-1724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
While control banding has been identified as a suitable framework for the evaluation and the determination of potential human health risks associated with exposure to nanomaterials (NMs), the approach currently lacks any implementation that enjoys widespread support. Large inconsistencies in characterisation data, toxicological measurements and exposure scenarios make it difficult to map and compare the risk associated with NMs based on physicochemical data, concentration and exposure route. Here we demonstrate the use of Bayesian networks as a reliable tool for NM risk estimation. This tool is tractable, accessible and scalable. Most importantly, it captures a broad span of data types, from complete, high quality data sets through to data sets with missing data and/or values with a relatively high spread of probability distribution. The tool is able to learn iteratively in order to further refine forecasts as the quality of data available improves. We demonstrate how this risk measurement approach works on NMs with varying degrees of risk potential, namely, carbon nanotubes, silver and titanium dioxide. The results afford even non-experts an accurate picture of the occupational risk probabilities associated with these NMs and, in doing so, demonstrated how NM risk can be evaluated into a tractable, quantitative risk comparator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finbarr Murphy
- Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Barry Sheehan
- Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Martin Mullins
- Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Hans Bouwmeester
- RIKILT Wageningen University & Research (WR), Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 PD Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J. P. Marvin
- RIKILT Wageningen University & Research (WR), Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 PD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yamine Bouzembrak
- RIKILT Wageningen University & Research (WR), Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 PD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna L. Costa
- ISTEC-CNR, Via Granarolo, 64, I-48018 Faenza, RA Italy
| | - Rasel Das
- Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Center, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vicki Stone
- Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS Scotland, UK
| | - Syed A. M. Tofail
- Department of Physics, and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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11
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Hristozov D, Gottardo S, Semenzin E, Oomen A, Bos P, Peijnenburg W, van Tongeren M, Nowack B, Hunt N, Brunelli A, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Tran L, Marcomini A. Frameworks and tools for risk assessment of manufactured nanomaterials. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 95:36-53. [PMID: 27523267 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Commercialization of nanotechnologies entails a regulatory requirement for understanding their environmental, health and safety (EHS) risks. Today we face challenges to assess these risks, which emerge from uncertainties around the interactions of manufactured nanomaterials (MNs) with humans and the environment. In order to reduce these uncertainties, it is necessary to generate sound scientific data on hazard and exposure by means of relevant frameworks and tools. The development of such approaches to facilitate the risk assessment (RA) of MNs has become a dynamic area of research. The aim of this paper was to review and critically analyse these approaches against a set of relevant criteria. The analysis concluded that none of the reviewed frameworks were able to fulfill all evaluation criteria. Many of the existing modelling tools are designed to provide screening-level assessments rather than to support regulatory RA and risk management. Nevertheless, there is a tendency towards developing more quantitative, higher-tier models, capable of incorporating uncertainty into their analyses. There is also a trend towards developing validated experimental protocols for material identification and hazard testing, reproducible across laboratories. These tools could enable a shift from a costly case-by-case RA of MNs towards a targeted, flexible and efficient process, based on grouping and read-across strategies and compliant with the 3R (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) principles. In order to facilitate this process, it is important to transform the current efforts on developing databases and computational models into creating an integrated data and tools infrastructure to support the risk assessment and management of MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danail Hristozov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, c/o PST Vega di Venezia - Via della Libertà 12, 30175 Marghera (VE), Italy.
| | - Stefania Gottardo
- European Commission's Joint Research Centre, Via E. Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra, Italy.
| | - Elena Semenzin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, c/o PST Vega di Venezia - Via della Libertà 12, 30175 Marghera (VE), Italy.
| | - Agnes Oomen
- National Institute of Public Health & the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter Bos
- National Institute of Public Health & the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Willie Peijnenburg
- National Institute of Public Health & the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720, BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Human Exposure Science, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Avenue, North, Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP, Scotland.
| | - Bernd Nowack
- EMPA-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Neil Hunt
- The REACH Centre, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrea Brunelli
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, c/o PST Vega di Venezia - Via della Libertà 12, 30175 Marghera (VE), Italy.
| | - Janeck J Scott-Fordsmand
- Department of Bioscience-Terrestrial Ecology, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark.
| | - Lang Tran
- Centre for Human Exposure Science, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Avenue, North, Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP, Scotland.
| | - Antonio Marcomini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, c/o PST Vega di Venezia - Via della Libertà 12, 30175 Marghera (VE), Italy.
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12
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Hristozov D, Zabeo A, Alstrup Jensen K, Gottardo S, Isigonis P, Maccalman L, Critto A, Marcomini A. Demonstration of a modelling-based multi-criteria decision analysis procedure for prioritisation of occupational risks from manufactured nanomaterials. Nanotoxicology 2016; 10:1215-28. [DOI: 10.3109/17435390.2016.1144827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danail Hristozov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari Venice, Venice, Italy,
| | - Alex Zabeo
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari Venice, Venice, Italy,
| | - Keld Alstrup Jensen
- The National Research Center for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark,
| | | | - Panagiotis Isigonis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari Venice, Venice, Italy,
| | | | - Andrea Critto
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari Venice, Venice, Italy,
| | - Antonio Marcomini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, University Ca' Foscari Venice, Venice, Italy,
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13
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van Harmelen T, Zondervan-van den Beuken EK, Brouwer DH, Kuijpers E, Fransman W, Buist HB, Ligthart TN, Hincapié I, Hischier R, Linkov I, Nowack B, Studer J, Hilty L, Som C. LICARA nanoSCAN - A tool for the self-assessment of benefits and risks of nanoproducts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 91:150-160. [PMID: 26949868 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The fast penetration of nanoproducts on the market under conditions of significant uncertainty of their environmental properties and risks to humans creates a need for companies to assess sustainability of their products. Evaluation of the potential benefits and risks to build a coherent story for communication with clients, authorities, consumers, and other stakeholders is getting to be increasingly important, but SMEs often lack the knowledge and expertise to assess risks and communicate them appropriately. This paper introduces LICARA nanoSCAN, a modular web based tool that supports SMEs in assessing benefits and risks associated with new or existing nanoproducts. This tool is unique because it is scanning both the benefits and risks over the nanoproducts life cycle in comparison to a reference product with a similar functionality in order to enable the development of sustainable and competitive nanoproducts. SMEs can use data and expert judgment to answer mainly qualitative and semi-quantitative questions as a part of tool application. Risks to public, workers and consumers are assessed, while the benefits are evaluated for economic, environmental and societal opportunities associated with the product use. The tool provides an easy way to visualize results as well as to identify gaps, missing data and associated uncertainties. The LICARA nanoSCAN has been positively evaluated by several companies and was tested in a number of case studies. The tool helps to develop a consistent and comprehensive argument on the weaknesses and strengths of a nanoproduct that may be valuable for the communication with authorities, clients and among stakeholders in the value chain. LICARA nanoSCAN identifies areas for more detailed assessments, product design improvement or application of risk mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toon van Harmelen
- TNO, Climate, Air and Sustainability, P.O. Box 80015, NL-3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Derk H Brouwer
- TNO, Risk Analysis for Products In Development, P.O. Box 360, NL-3700 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands; University of the Witwatersrand, School of Public Health, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Eelco Kuijpers
- TNO, Risk Analysis for Products In Development, P.O. Box 360, NL-3700 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Fransman
- TNO, Risk Analysis for Products In Development, P.O. Box 360, NL-3700 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Harrie B Buist
- TNO, Risk Analysis for Products In Development, P.O. Box 360, NL-3700 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Ligthart
- TNO, Climate, Air and Sustainability, P.O. Box 80015, NL-3508 TA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Hincapié
- Technology and Society Lab, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Roland Hischier
- Technology and Society Lab, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Igor Linkov
- US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, 696 Virginia Rd., Concord, MA 01742, USA; Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology and Society Lab, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Studer
- Informatics and Sustainability Research Group, Department of Informatics, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, CH-8050 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lorenz Hilty
- Technology and Society Lab, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; Informatics and Sustainability Research Group, Department of Informatics, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, CH-8050 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Som
- Technology and Society Lab, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Malsch I, Subramanian V, Semenzin E, Hristozov D, Marcomini A, Mullins M, Hester K, McAlea E, Murphy F, Tofail SAM. Empowering citizens in international governance of nanotechnologies. JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY FORUM FOR NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2015; 17:215. [PMID: 25983616 PMCID: PMC4427706 DOI: 10.1007/s11051-015-3019-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The international dialogue on responsible governance of nanotechnologies engages a wide range of actors with conflicting as well as common interests. It is also characterised by a lack of evidence-based data on uncertain risks of in particular engineered nanomaterials. The present paper aims at deepening understanding of the collective decision making context at international level using the grounded theory approach as proposed by Glaser and Strauss in "The Discovery of Grounded Theory" (1967). This starts by discussing relevant concepts from different fields including sociological and political studies of international relations as well as political philosophy and ethics. This analysis of current trends in international law making is taken as starting point for exploring the role that a software decision support tool could play in multi-stakeholder global governance of nanotechnologies. These theoretical ideas are then compared with the current design of the SUN Decision Support System (SUNDS) under development in the European project on Sustainable Nanotechnologies (SUN, www.sun-fp7.eu). Through constant comparison, the ideas are also compared with requirements of different stakeholders as expressed during a user workshop. This allows for highlighting discussion points for further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineke Malsch
- />Malsch TechnoValuation, Vondellaan 90, 3521 GH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vrishali Subramanian
- />Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’Foscari University of Venice, Dorsoduro 3246, 30123 Venice, Italy
| | - Elena Semenzin
- />Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’Foscari University of Venice, Dorsoduro 3246, 30123 Venice, Italy
| | - Danail Hristozov
- />Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’Foscari University of Venice, Dorsoduro 3246, 30123 Venice, Italy
| | - Antonio Marcomini
- />Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’Foscari University of Venice, Dorsoduro 3246, 30123 Venice, Italy
| | - Martin Mullins
- />Department of Accounting and Finance, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Karena Hester
- />Department of Accounting and Finance, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eamonn McAlea
- />Department of Accounting and Finance, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Finbarr Murphy
- />Department of Accounting and Finance, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Syed A. M. Tofail
- />Department of Physics and Energy, and Materials and Surface Sciences Institute (MSSI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Malsch I, Subramanian V, Semenzin E, Hristozov D, Marcomini A. Supporting decision-making for sustainable nanotechnology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10669-015-9539-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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16
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Bates ME, Larkin S, Keisler JM, Linkov I. How decision analysis can further nanoinformatics. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 6:1594-600. [PMID: 26425410 PMCID: PMC4578443 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.6.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The increase in nanomaterial research has resulted in increased nanomaterial data. The next challenge is to meaningfully integrate and interpret these data for better and more efficient decisions. Due to the complex nature of nanomaterials, rapid changes in technology, and disunified testing and data publishing strategies, information regarding material properties is often illusive, uncertain, and/or of varying quality, which limits the ability of researchers and regulatory agencies to process and use the data. The vision of nanoinformatics is to address this problem by identifying the information necessary to support specific decisions (a top-down approach) and collecting and visualizing these relevant data (a bottom-up approach). Current nanoinformatics efforts, however, have yet to efficiently focus data acquisition efforts on the research most relevant for bridging specific nanomaterial data gaps. Collecting unnecessary data and visualizing irrelevant information are expensive activities that overwhelm decision makers. We propose that the decision analytic techniques of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA), value of information (VOI), weight of evidence (WOE), and portfolio decision analysis (PDA) can bridge the gap from current data collection and visualization efforts to present information relevant to specific decision needs. Decision analytic and Bayesian models could be a natural extension of mechanistic and statistical models for nanoinformatics practitioners to master in solving complex nanotechnology challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Bates
- Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Concord, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Larkin
- Contractor to the Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Concord, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Keisler
- Department of Management Science and Information Systems, College of Management, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Igor Linkov
- Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Concord, MA, USA
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