Basic Information

Here you will find general information on new, advanced materials and nanomaterials - from a possible release to the question whether these materials pose a risk.
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Here you will find general information on new, advanced materials and nanomaterials – from a possible release to the question whether these materials pose a risk.

General Information


The discovery or development of novel chemicals or materials creates a demand of new knowledge as regards the related potential biological effects and health hazards. Before such materials are launched for different uses, they must be evaluated for safety without any risks to health according to the legal requirements in the different countries. In Germany […]

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What is meant by sustainability?


History The term sustainability was already formulated in forestry in 1713. At that time, it described the practice of only felling as much wood in a forest as can grow back again. Later, the term was applied to other economy sectors as well.   What does sustainability mean? The basic idea is always to use […]

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How are innovative materials (e.g. nanomaterials) released?


An answer to this question can be illustrated by the example of nanoparticles, and similarly applies to other innovative materials and their related products when they are released in a critical shape and size. If particles (nano- or microsized) are released from products the exposure to such particles is possible for people and the environment […]

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How are innovative materials (e.g.nanomaterials) transported after their release?


Innovative materials and Nanomaterial can be released from various sources, entering the environment and thus getting in contact with humans, plants and environmental organisms. It is estimated that less than 0.1 per thousand of the overall air pollution are engineered materials, the majority of particles originate from natural sources such as dust or pollen. In […]

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How do you get in contact with innovative materials (e.g. nanomaterials)?


Certain innovative materials are expected to conquer future markets due to their outstanding properties. The considerable increase in production and the increased use of products that contain materials like that may result in a higher exposure of humans and of the environment. For humans, this may be of relevance to workplaces during production and may […]

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How can innovative materials (e.g.nanomaterials) enter the body or the environment?


The biological effect of materials or substances depends on their ability of reaching the body or rather the organs and cells inside the body. Detection of the uptake in the respective organism is an essential factor in evaluating innovative materials or nanoparticles. Like in the case of other substances, nanomaterials are taken up depending on […]

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How do do innovative materials or nanomaterials behave once inside the body or the environment?


Inside the Human Body The organs of the body are sealed against the outside by dense cell layers, the so-called epithelia. Particles cannot get into the body unless they overcome this barrier by e.g., disturbing the tight bond between the cells or by penetration into the cells. To achieve this, the particles must overcome the […]

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Do innovative materials or nanomaterials harbour risks?


There is no simple answer to this question due to the nearly infinite diversity of different materials and multiple ways in which we get into contact with them. A simple example may demonstrate the concept of risk: Are felines generally dangerous? It depends on whether the animal is a domestic cat or a predatory cat! […]

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