Current situation and future prognosis of health, safety and environment risk assessment of nanomaterials in South Africa

Mary Gulumian; Melusi Thwala; Xolani Makhoba; Victor Wepener

doi:10.17159/sajs.2023/11657

Authors

Mary Gulumian 1.Haematology and Molecular Medicine Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; 2.Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4495-8363
Melusi Thwala 1.Water Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; 2.Centre for Environmental Management, University of Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; *Current: Science Advisory Programme and Strategic Partnerships, Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9770-2110
Xolani Makhoba Emerging Research Areas Directorate, National Department of Science and Innovation, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2485-3978
Victor Wepener Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9374-7191

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2023/11657

Keywords:

nanotechnology, responsible development, characterisation, hazard identification, exposure assessment, effects assessment

Abstract

The commercialisation and everyday use of nanomaterials and nanomaterial-enabled products (NEPs) is rising year-on-year. Responsible development of nanotechnology includes understanding their potential implications on health, safety, and the environment (HSE). The health risk assessment of nanomaterials has therefore become one of the major activities of international agencies including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Environmental Protection Agency for protection of human health and the environment. Nationally, with the foresight and the leadership of the Department of Science and Innovation, a HSE programme was initiated to establish the necessary infrastructure to conduct the tests in the hazard identification and exposure assessment that are needed in the risk assessment of nanomaterials synthesised as well as NEPs available in South Africa. Here we present the advances that have been made in elucidating the different facets that are required when undertaking risk assessments of nanomaterials, i.e. physicochemical characterisation, hazard identification, exposure assessment and effects assessment. These facets are increasingly being considered throughout the nanomaterials present in the life cycles of NEPs. South Africa's research contribution to an international understanding of HSE risks of nanomaterials is highlighted and the future direction to generate the necessary information for effective risk communication and management is provided. This will assist in ensuring safer innovation of nanotechnology in South Africa and support the export of locally manufactured nanomaterials as per international requirements.

Significance:

Significant contributions of South Africa to the nanomaterial HSE knowledge base are highlighted.
Development of standardised testing methodologies in nanomaterial HSE and protection of human and ecological health through risk assessment of nanomaterials are discussed.
This paper contributes to ensuring safer innovation of nanotechnology in South Africa.