Scientists Present Research on Effects of Nano-Dust from Façade Paint
Five Empa laboratories involved in the EU NanoHouse project, along with four other European research institutes and four industrial partners, have been researching the danger of nano-dust from façade paint. The aim of the project is to investigate the opportunities and risks presented by the nanomaterials used in the surface coatings applied to building façades. For the first time not only were freshly manufactured products studied to see if they released nanoparticles, but aged samples were studies as well.
At a technology briefing about the research, Claudia Som introduced the NanoHouse project, for which she acted as Empa coordinator. This project, which is financially supported through the EU's 7th Research Framework Program, began in 2010 with the aim of investigating possible health effects caused by nanoparticles in building materials and houses. Various aspects of the research program included rubbing tests on model façades, attempts to wash out nanoparticles from surface coatings, and an analysis of the biological effects on humans and the environment.