Toxicity of Building Materials

Toxicity of Building Materials

Woodhead Publishing Series in Civil and Structural Engineering
2012, Pages 427-475
Toxicity of Building Materials

15 - Toxicity of nanoparticles

https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857096357.427Get rights and content

Abstract:

This chapter summarizes the most important applications of nanotechnology in the construction industry together with aspects of nanoparticles toxicity. Nanotechnology is currently applied in the construction industry predominantly in cement, coatings, paints and insulating materials. Nanoparticles incorporated into existing construction materials confer them novel and extraordinary properties, such as increased strength, self-sensing, self-cleaning, antimicrobial, or pollution remediation capabilities. On the other hand, nanoparticles from construction materials that are released into the environment can be extremely detrimental to health. Nanoparticles can enter the human body via inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. The range of pathologies related to exposure to nanoparticles encompasses respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, autoimmune, neurodegenerative diseases, and a variety of cancers that can manifest immediately following exposure or many years later.

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