Benefits of Nanotechnology on Health and the Environment

Benefits of Nanotechnology on health and the EnvironmentAleksandar BanicAbstractNanotechnology is relate with manipulating matter to near atomic scales between one and 100nm (nanometers-1 billionth of a meter). This technology has recently gained popularity due to its potential drop in altering the behavior of individual molecules and has opened the door to new applications. Many researchers have pinpointed the potential risk of nanotechnology on the environment and on human health. This is due to the concomitant that the extremely small nanoparticles basis penetrate into human cells. This paper aims at determining ways in which this new technology place wellbeing the environment and the state of peoples health. Typical expectations of functional paints and coatings embroil durability, reproducibility, easy application and constitute effectiveness, tailored spring up morphology and environmental friendliness. Through the lend oneself of nanotechnology, these properties ca n be achieved therefore inflicting less environmental damage and cost.DiscussionAs shown in go into 1 (refer to appendix), the attend of benefits for paints containing nanoparticles is extensive. It is also app bent that nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most common nanoparticles in both the paint and lacquer industries. The primary reason for this is its ability to desexualise the paint more dur qualified (refer to figure 2 for following references). The wavelength of the macroscopic light spectrum ranges between 400 and 700nm, whereas TiO2 is much shorter (200-350nm). This property renders the coating clear and more aesthetically pleasing whilst also allowing UV absorption littler wavelength means more brawn. Therefore, when moving from left to right in figure 2, the different types of radiation become increasingly destructive. During UV radiation, UV photons can cause ionization, where electrons break away from atoms and this vacancy affects chemical properties. As a resolve, the paint could begin to flake, otherwise known as chalking where it is and then serve away into the environment (1)(2)(3). Nano TiO2 coating serves to prevent this and is therefore considered to be an utility to the environment. As durability is increased, the longevity of the paint does likewise and therefore, the rate of issue is lowered. This means that energy and resource outputs argon decreased, thus benefiting the environment at a time more. run across 2 electromagnetic spectrum image displaying frequency and wavelength. Also highlights manifest spectrum (3)One of the most advantageous characteristics of nanoparticle paints and coatings is their self-cleansing property. Nano scale titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most lots employed nanoparticle that exhibits this property. As TiO2 is photo catalytic, when illuminated with an ultraviolet (UV) source (e.g. sunlight) in the presence of body of water, valence electrons are transferred into the conduction band o f TiO2 and then fight back with oxygen. Super oxide radicals result. These photo-produced radicals are powerful oxidizing species and can cause the deterioration of native contaminants or microbial pieces on the particle surface. Furthermore, nano TiO2 is super- deliquescent, i.e. the entire surface attracts and spreads water out into a thin film (4). Therefore, water and rainfall easy wash away contaminants when the coating is applied on an exterior surface. type 3 Hydrophilic coating (right) with TiO2on float glass for comparative purposes. batting order how right side is spread out thinly to cover as much surface as possible. This allows for a more consistent killing (4).Self-cleaning surfaces can decrease the amount of cleaning required. In the case of industrial cleaning in particular it can reduce labour be and extend a materials durability. Lower energy costs and less use of cleaning detergents are expected to be the primary environmental benefits (5). In fact, nano TiO 2 was proven to achieve the followingReduction in re-paint material expending by over 75%Reduction in labour and energy costs by 50%In summary, the photo catalytic and hydrophilic features of nano T (environmental Protection Agency , 2015)iO2 result in the benefit of self-cleaning. When compared to that of metre paints, this is also beneficial to the environment whilst also being more cost effective. In addition, paints coated in nano TiO2 have also managed to reduce surface pollution.Paint which photocleans the air of automobile-produced nitrogen oxides ( dark) is topically under heavy promotion. nighttime are formed during the combustion process when nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) are present at elevated temperatures. They also serve as describe precursors for ozone and this can lead to numerous health effectuate as defined in the figure below.Figure 4 The relationship between the bitterness of the effect and the proportion of the population experiencing the effect can be prese nted as a pyramid. Many individuals experience the least serious, most common make shown at the bottom. Fewer individuals experience the more severe effects such as hospitalization or death however, they are still possibilities particularly after prior health issues or prolonged exposure (6).In the presence of sunlight, TiO2 nanoparticles in the paint, form hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, which then react with dark in the air to produce nitric acid. This reacts further with calcium change in the paint matrix to generate minute quantities of calcium nitrate, water, and light speed dioxide (CO2). Calcium nitrate is e finically useful as a fertilizer therefore it is not harmful to the environment. And although CO2 is considered a greenhouse gas, it is nonvenomous (7)(8).Figure 5 graph compares the surface area covered by anatase (one of the three forms of TiO2) to the % of NOx removed from that vicinity. Eventually it will plateau as the production of NOx will be no longer be ab le to reduce by more than is being created (7)In an experiment, a 4,100m2 wall was subjected to paint containing TiO2 nanoparticles. Results showed that each square meter could remove 80g of NOx from the atmosphere per year. Furthermore, NOx levels in the vicinity of the wall were compared to that of other areas of the urban center and a 57% decrease was found. It can be concluded from this teaching that health effects would also be lowered proportionally (8). As the effects of nano TiO2 particles in paint are evidently advantageous, it supports the statement that in general, the positives of nanoparticles outweigh the negatives.If nanoparticles are firmly imbedded within a coating matrix, current risk assessments conclude that the probability of a harmful impact on the environment is very low. However, nanoparticles may be released as a result of weathering on the coating matrix. An investigation conducted in 2010, has shown that very small amounts of TiO2 (between 20 and 300nm i n size) are released by house paints due to weathering. They can then enter the soil via rainwater drains. As stated previously, the photocatalytic activities of TiO2 are able to produce oxygen radicals. They are in fact toxic for aquatic organisms. However, the release of nanoparticles into the environment can be reduced or prevented if nanomaterials and coatings are designed accordingly. Regardless of the fact that surface coatings which contain firmly infix nanoparticles presently pose a minute risk to the health of users and consumers, special attention is required for those that manufacture nanoparticulate raw materials. (4)(9) (Chang)Nevertheless, there are currently no known long-term health effects as a result of nanoparticle paint, and the short-term effects are easily reduced or prevented when safety measures are taken accordingly. Although possible health and environmental effects may exist, they are unsupported and easily outweighed by the positives of nanoparticle pai nts.Conclusion some(prenominal) advantages for nanoparticles used in paint and lacquer have been focused on throughout this paper. Although many more are possible as defined in figure 1 (appendix), it is evident from the properties of UV absorption, self-cleansing and NOx drop-off alone, that it overcomes the unfounded negative impacts. In fact, the only undesirable aspect is the risk of infection that nanoparticles could inflict upon the appliers and manufacturers. However, there is very little supporting evidence and can therefore not be used as a counter argument for the use of nanoparticle paints. It is important that the public understands how beneficial this technology is they would be doing themselves and the environment a great disservice.BibliographyWick, P. (2012). Nanoparticles in paints A new scheme to protect faades and surfaces? . International Conferences on Safe Production and Use of Nanomaterials , 10.Popov, A. (2008). TiO2 NANOPARTICLES AS UV PROTECTORS. UNIVER SITATIS OULUENSIS. OULUN YLIOPISTO.New humanness Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Electromagnetic Spectrum. Retrieved whitethorn 4, 2015, from New World Encyclopedia http//www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Electromagnetic_spectrumNanotechnology solutions for self-cleaning, asshole and water-repellent coatings . (2011, January 11). 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Nanjing Springer .AppendixFigure 1 above table states the various advantages of nanoparticle paints and coatings along with their respective nanomaterial and industrial branch (1)Bibliography(Popov, 2008) (New World Encyclopedia) (Nanotechnology solutions for self-cleaning, dirt and water-repellent coatings Read more Nanotechnology solutions for self-cleaning, dirt and water-repellent coatings , 2011) (Wick, 2012)