Health risks related to nanomaterials used in cementitious materials marketed

Abstract

The addition of nanomaterials in common basic binders such as cements, limes and plasters improves significantly its properties. However the toxicity of nanomaterials is an open question to clarify. The objective is to disseminate relevant information about the health risks related to nanomaterials used in cementitious materials marketed. A systematic commercial web-based search and reviewed have been carried out. Nine nanoproducts marketed have been identified as well as mainly findings on the toxicity of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2), silica nanogel (SiO2) -synthetic amorphous silica- and silver (Ag). Currently there are not a large number of cementitious materials with nanomaterials marketed however this number is expected to increase. Several evidences of the toxicity of nanomaterials have been found, however there is no consensus about the relation between parameters and effects. Therefore this reveal the necessity to study more deeply about this topic as well as spread the knowledge between construction and occupational safety and health professionals.