Characterising the potential risks posed by engineered nanoparticles:

1
Characterising the potential risks posed by
engineered nanoparticles Case Study -
Oxonica Dr Kevin Matthews Rusnanotech
December 2008

2
Oxonica at a glance

• Oxonica is a leading international nanotechnology
  company
• Four revenue generating businesses

Security Confidential uses
Materials Optisol Solacor UV absorbers
Diagnostics Nanoplex Multiplexed disease
detection
Energy Envirox Fuel combustion catalyst
3
Oxonica Energy - EnviroxTM

• ENVIROX diesel fuel additive is a demonstrated,
  cost effective method of improving fuel economy
  whilst contributing to a cleaner environment
• ENVIROX diesel fuel additive reduces fuel
  consumption by 4 10 with equivalent reductions
  in greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) and reduces
  particulates by up to 18
• ENVIROX is based on nanoparticulate cerium oxide

4
EnviroxTM Health / Safety Considerations

• General concern about potential risk of
  Nanotechnology
• No real basis for general concern although basis
  for concern on specific issues eg inhalation of
  nanoparticles
• Requirement for Oxonica directors to be satisfied
  that EnviroxTM does not present a safety risk
• Oxonica exercises a responsible duty of care
  approach to the production and use of
  nanoparticle based products
• EnviroxTM satisfies European and Russian
  regulatory requirements for use as a diesel fuel
  additive
• In the absence of clear regulatory guidelines to
  satisfy concerns Oxonica carried out in vitro
  tests to establish basis for risk assessment

5
Defining Risk
When attempting to define risk associated with
the manufacture, use and disposal of
nanoparticles, it is crucial to understand- 1.
the potential hazard associated with a given
material based on the conclusions from
toxicological studies 2. the potential exposure
at real and realistic levels 3. the potential
exposure at each step of its life from
manufacture to disposal Hazard X Exposure Risk

6
Pathogenic Sequence - Lung Exposure
Each Stage of potential Biochemical risk is
assessed by independent third parties

Thanks to Prof Ken Donaldson, University of
Edinburgh
7
Potential Exposure

• Exposure to nanoparticulate cerium oxide does not
  significantly increase on using Envirox based on
  the levels found naturally in the environment
• This conclusion is based on the following-
• 1. Monitoring of actual cerium oxide contents
  in air samples in London and Newcastle
• 2. Modelling studies based on EU database
  using highway and street canyon models to
  determine cerium oxide contents in the local
  atmosphere assuming all diesel vehicles used
  EnviroxTM

8
Life Cycle Ecoefficiency Study
Fuel Economy (5)

Scenario Driving an urban bus for 1,000,000 km
in Asian market
Thanks to BASF
9
Risk Assessment

• In extensive in vitro tests conducted to date,
  cerium oxide has shown no harmful effects
• Based on these tests and potential exposure
  levels,
• 1. it is highly unlikely that exposure to
  cerium oxide is going to lead to an inflammatory
  effect in the respiratory system
• 2. there is no significant risk associated
  with its use

10
Communication and Best Practice

• General public and media concern about
  nanomaterials
• Need for proactive engagement to put concerns in
  perspective
• Oxonica actions-
• Presentations at international conferences
• Participation in DEFRA Nanotechnologies
  Stakeholder Forum
• Submissions to UK Government reports on
  Nanotechnology
• Publication of peer reviewed papers
• Proactive engagement through the UK
  Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network
• Co-founder and Board Member of Nanotechnology
  Industries Association

11
Contact Dr Steffi Friedrichs Nanotechnology
Industries Association NCI Business Centre Square
de Meeûs 38-40 1000 Brussels Belgium t 32
240 161 30 f 32 240 168 68 m 32 493 158
959 e steffi.friedrichs_at_nanotechia.org w
www.nanotechia.org
Thank you!