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5.1.3 Construction EHS Analysis

The construction sector deals with immense quantities of raw materials; for example, concrete is the most widely used man-made material on earth with a production volume of 14 billion tonnes per annum. Material innovations are continuously finding their way into modern building structure, and recent developments in pioneering nanomaterials will undoubtedly also contribute to this.
The construction sector technical sector report1 addresses developments and applications for nanotechnologies. In particular, it examines developments in cement and concrete based materials, and coatings – especially those used on glass or steel surfaces.

The Environment, Health & Safety analysis of the construction technology sector considers the nanomaterials outlined therein within the context of their application, and provides commentary on the exposure potential for the material within that application.

The present report covers five major sub-sectors, classified within the ObservatoryNANO construction technology sector report according to application and societal needs as follows:

• Cement-based materials
• Coatings
• Civil engineering
• Sustainability & environment
• Living comfort & safety

The key common knowledge gap across all nanoparticle applications is the lack of exposure measurements. As the ObservatoryNANO Project progresses, it is expected that this knowledge gap will be addressed (at least in part). This, coupled with additional information on nanomaterial toxicology should enable later EHS reports to reach more resolute conclusions on the risks posed by those nanomaterials in consideration.

The full text of the Construction Technology Sector EHS Analysis may be downloaded as a pdf from the 'Related Documents' section at the bottom of this page.