Issue 1, 2013

Potential environmental implications of nano-enabled medical applications: critical review

Abstract

The application of nanotechnology and nanoscience for medical purposes is anticipated to make significant contributions to enhance human health in the coming decades. However, the possible future mass production and use of these medical innovations exhibiting novel and multifunctional properties will very likely lead to discharges into the environment giving rise to potentially new environmental hazards and risks. To date, the sources, the release form and environmental fate and exposure of nano-enabled medical products have not been investigated and little or no data exists, although there are a small number of currently approved medical applications and a number in clinical trials. This paper discusses the current technological and regulatory landscape and potential hazards and risks to the environment of nano-enabled medical products, data gaps and gives tentative suggestions relating to possible environmental hotspots.

Graphical abstract: Potential environmental implications of nano-enabled medical applications: critical review

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
01 Aug 2012
Accepted
06 Nov 2012
First published
11 Dec 2012

Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2013,15, 123-144

Potential environmental implications of nano-enabled medical applications: critical review

I. Mahapatra, J. Clark, P. J. Dobson, R. Owen and J. R. Lead, Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2013, 15, 123 DOI: 10.1039/C2EM30640A

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