Ultrafine particles

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are nanoscale, less than 100 nanometres. Clusters of UFPs can be seen with the naked eye. But, electron microscopy and special physical lab conditions allow scientists to observe UFP morphology. UFPs are both manufactured and naturally occurring (hot volcanic lava, smoke, ocean spray). Some UFPs have characteristics similar to gas or liquid and are useful in powders or lubricants. Others are byproducts, rather than intentionally fabricated nanostructures, as are fine particles. [ [http://es.epa.gov/ncer/nano/research/particle_index.htmlNanotechnology: Ultrafine Particle Research] EPA National Center for Environmental Research. Retrieved on 2008-3-19.] Some airborn UFPs (emissions) from printer toner, combustion engines and automobile traffic are considered pollutants and have begun to be studied as such [ [http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/121641/hp-hits-back-in-printer-health-scare-row.html HP hits back in printer health scare row] PC Pro, August 3, 2007. Retrieved on 2008-3-19.] [ [http://www.rtmagazine.com/issues/articles/2007-11_01.asp Tiny But Deadly] RT for Decision Makers in Respiratory Care, November 2007 issue. Retrieved on 2008-3-19.] ., along with larger particulate matter. Intentionally manufactured UFPs have many applications, from medical and nanotech research to consumer products.

Regulation and legislation

As the nanotechnology industry has grown, nanoparticles have brought UFPs more public and regulatory attention. UFP risk assessment research is still in the very early stages. There are continuing debates [ [http://nanotech.lawbc.com/2007/09/articles/international/greenpeace-releases-activists-guide-to-reach-which-addresses-nanomaterials/ Greenpeace Releases Activists' Guide to REACH, Which Addresses Nanomaterials] Nanotech Law blog of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. Retrieved on 2008-3-19.] [ [http://www.etcgroup.org/en/materials/publications.html?id=55 A Tiny Primer on Nano-scale Technologies ...and The Little BANG Theory] Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration. Retrieved on 2008-3-19.] about whether to regulate UFPs and how to research and manage the health risks they may pose. [ [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16551218 Ultrafine particle-lung interactions: does size matter?] National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Institute of Health. Retrieved on 2008-3-19.] cite journal |journal=Environmental Health Perspectives |date=November 2005 |volume=113 |issue=11 |pages=1555–1560 |title=Ultrafine Particles Cross Cellular Membranes by Nonphagocytic Mechanisms in Lungs and in Cultured Cells |first=Marianne |last=Geiser |coauthors="et al."|doi=10.1289/ehp.8006] cite journal |title=Nanotoxicology: An Emerging Discipline Evolving from Studies of Ultrafine Particles |first=Günter |coauthors="et al." |journal=Environmental Health Perspectives |volume=113 |issue=7 |date=July 2005 |pages=823–839|doi=10.1289/ehp.7339 |author=Oberdorster, Gunter |unused_data=|last+=Oberdörster ] [cite journal |journal=Science |date=25 April 2003 |volume=300 |issue=5619 |pages=615–618 |title=Micellar Nanocontainers Distribute to Defined Cytoplasmic Organelles |first=Radoslav |last=Savic |coauthors="et al."|doi=10.1126/science.1078192] As of March 19, 2008, the EPA does not yet regulate or research ultrafine particles, [ [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080121084718.htm How Ultrafine Particles In Air Pollution May Cause Heart Disease] Science Daily, January 22, 2008. Retrieved on 2008-3-19.] but has drafted a Nanomaterial Research Strategy, open for independent, external peer review beginning February 7, 2008 (Panel review on April 11, 2008). [ [http://es.epa.gov/ncer/nano/publications/nano_fed_reg_021308.pdf Retrieved on 2008-3-19.] There is also debate about how the European Union (EU) should regulate UFPs. [ [http://www.fni.no/doc&pdf/JBS-JW-IEA-2007.PDF Is EU Enlargement Bad for Environmental Policy?Confronting Gloomy Expectations with Evidence] Fridtjof Nansen Institute. Retrieved on 2008-3-19.]

History

Properties

cale classification

ources

Composition

Morphology

Fabrication

Applications

Health effects

afety issues

ee also

Nanostructures

References