University of Limerick in nanomaterials project
10/04/2012
Scientists from the University of Limerick (UL) have joined a European Commission (EC) funded project, SANOWORK that aims to assess and manage potential risks associated with nanomaterials.
SANOWORK involves collaboration between eight
academic and public research bodies and five industrial manufacturers of
nanomaterials from across Europe that will participate in the €4.7 million EC
FP7-NMP research project.
Nanomaterials have dimensions smaller than 100
nanometers, which is a several thousand times smaller than the width of a
strand of hair. The smaller size in nanomaterials gives rise to extraordinary
properties that hold vast promise for innovation in virtually every industry
and public endeavour including health, electronics, transportation and the
environment. They have been heralded by many as "the next industrial
revolution” with an income in excess of a trillion euro forecast by 2020.
"While the economic potential for nanomaterials
is truly huge, the health and environmental impact of this new technology is
relatively unknown,” explained Dr Syed Tofail, leader of the UL team in the SANOWORK consortium. "The
current gap in knowledge makes it difficult to qualify and manage potential
risks that may be associated with nanomaterials,” he added
The project aims to address the general lack of adequate knowledge on the potential health and environmental impact of nanomaterials. "The lack of knowledge is particularly problematic for insurance companies involved in underwriting risks associated with nanomaterials production,” observed Dr Martin Mullins, a member of the UL team and a Lecturer in Risk Management.
"UL’s contribution to the SANOWORK project will help the insurance industry to take informed decisions in ascertaining risk premiums. No industry can be sustainable in the long term without proper backing from the insurance community,” said Dr Mullins.
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