Estimates of upper bounds and trends in nano-TiO2 production as a basis for exposure assessment.

An upper bound is estimated for the magnitude of potential exposure to nano-TiO2 with the purpose of enabling exposure assessment and, ultimately, risk assessment Knowledge of the existing bulk TiO2 market is combined with available nano-TiO2 production data to estimate current nano-TiO2 sources as a baseline. The evolution of nano-TiO2 production as a percentage of the total TiO2 market is then projected based on material and market information along with a method that combines observations from scientific articles and patents as predictive indicators of the rate of innovative transformation.

Fullerol cluster formation in aqueous solutions: implications for environmental release.

Here we report on the characteristics of fullerol in aqueous systems and examine those conditions that affect the physical state of fullerol in water. When dispersed in water fullerol forms polydisperse suspensions characterized by both small ( approximately 100 nm) and large associations (>500 nm). These clusters are charged with a point of zero net proton charge (PZNPC) of approximately pH 3.

Relative risk analysis of several manufactured nanomaterials: an insurance industry context.

A relative risk assessment is presented for the industrial fabrication of several nanomaterials. The production processes for five nanomaterials were selected for this analysis, based on their current or near-term potential for large-scale production and commercialization: single-walled carbon nanotubes, bucky balls (C60), one variety of quantum dots, alumoxane nanoparticles, and nano-titanium dioxide. The assessment focused on the activities surrounding the fabrication of nanomaterials, exclusive of any impacts or risks with the nanomaterials themselves.