A comprehensive overview of methods involved in nanomaterial production and waste disposal from research labs and industries and existing regulatory guidelines for handling engineered nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanomaterials (NMs) have acquired a place of prominence in scientific innovations due to their unique and tunable physicochemical properties. This versatility enables them to be employed in multitude of applications. Nano/ nanobiotechnology, consequently, has become a very research intensive field over past few years and accordingly, there has been a noticeable increase in nano enabled products in the market. Downsides of this, however has started catching everyone's attention recently as overuse of these particles from research labs to industries to consumer products, without proper care and caution has exposed both the workers and consumers to unknown risks and hazards. For one, it is important to understand that properties of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are entirely different from bulk counterparts and hence cannot be compared. Secondly, there are few unanimous guidelines on handling, safe exposure limits and disposal methods for a worker. Consumers, similarly, are unaware of the long term exposure effects of these materials. This is because long term risk assessments studies are either underway or absent. While there is an existing regulatory framework and legislation in various countries now, there is still a need of stricter, more explicit guidelines for handling these materials. Elaborate risk assessment framework and stronger government regulations are necessary to fully comprehend the behavior of nanoparticles and their interaction with biological system and environmental matrices. This review article brings together an overview of production strategies, sources of nanowaste generation, disposal strategies and regulatory framework in place to handle ENMs.