Risks of nanos in water
By the AVICENN team – Last modification May 2020
Risks of nanos in water
The marketing and use of manufactured nanomaterials has increased considerably since the early 2000s in many fields: cosmetics, textiles, household appliances, sports equipment, glass and construction materials, cars, aeronautics, boats, food, etc.
More and more nanomaterials, nanoparticles or nanoparticle residues are present in water (from wastewater, some continue on to the treatment plants, then into rivers and streams). With what consequences for the aquatic fauna and flora? What about the microorganisms in the soil on which the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant is spread? Concerns are emerging among a growing number of stakeholders. Who is doing what on these different aspects?
On all these questions, only scattered information is available today, often difficult to understand for the non-specialist or addressing only a particular aspect without giving an overall vision.
Therefore, this dossier initiated in 2015 gathers the available information as well as the issues that arise today and could become a problem if no action is taken by the various institutions involved.
It is a base that we wish to complete and update according to the evolution of knowledge: your contributions are welcome!
Our information sheets on the subject
Our latest news
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- International Conference on Advanced Nanotechnology and Nano Materials
- September 22 & 23, 2025
- Website: https://advnanotech.authorsequity.org
- 15th Meeting on Nanoscience Advances (MNA 2025)
- Organized by: C’Nano (CNRS), Aix-Marseille University
- Dates: from September 29th to October 2nd
- Website: https://cnano-paca.fr/conf/mna2025/index.html
- Training for nanomaterial handlers (technicians, engineers, PhD students, researchers, etc.) and prevention assistants
- Organizers: CNRS
- Objectives: learn about the risks involved in handling nanomaterials and the prevention and protection measures to be implemented, as well as best practices for limiting exposure.
- Topics covered:
- Health effects / Risk assessment
- Preventive measures / Good laboratory practice / Time and space management / Collective and individual protection / Cleaning methods for surfaces, materials and equipment / Product storage / Product management
- Hands-on workshops:
- Implementing best practices when handling nanometric powders / Case studies / Assessment & recommendations
- Case studies: risk analysis and recommendations
- Examples of workstation design involving nanomaterials
- Website: https://formation.ifsem.cnrs.fr/training/1027/4426
Any questions or comments? This information sheet compiled by AVICENN is intended to be completed and updated. Please feel free to contribute.
File originally created in February 2015