No small deal: Evaluating nanomaterials with alternatives assessment, with Rune Hjorth

Zn nanoflowers
Zinc nanoflowers combined with graphene oxide layers help to extend battery life (scanning EM image). Credit: Dilek Ozgit, Engineering, Cambridge Univ., CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Nanomaterials are small but key components in consumer products like electronics, sunscreens, and antimicrobial clothing, just to name a few. Despite their widespread use, scientists are still struggling to assess their potential hazards, with regulatory policy hinging on these assessments. Author Rune Hjorth discusses how alternatives assessment frameworks can be adapted to evaluate nanomaterials. Access the article, “The applicability of chemical alternatives assessment for engineered nanomaterials,” in the January 2017 issue of IEAM.

Listen on iTunes or YouTube.

 

About the Guest

rune-photo-cropDr. Rune Hjorth is a postdoc at the Technical University of Denmark at the Department of Environmental Engineering. His research focuses primarily on nanoecotoxicology, risk assessment and advancing nanosafety through early decision making. He recently finished his PhD on environmental risk assessment and management of engineered nanomaterials and is currently working with alternative approaches to assess and manage risk, e.g., through alternatives assessment. Rune Hjorth holds degrees in environmental engineering, pharmaceutical science and nanoecotoxicology.

 

Articles Referenced in this Podcast

Hjorth R, Hansen SF, Jacobs M, Tickner J, Ellenbecker M, Baun A. 2017. The applicability of chemical alternatives assessment for engineered nanomaterials. Integr Environ Assess Manag 3: 177–187.

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