1. Current Status and Perspectives of Nanosafety Research in Korea
Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) VI
 September , Dakar, Senegal
Current Status and Perspectives of
Nanosafety Research in Korea
Kyunghee CHOI
National Institute of Environmental Research
Ministry of Environment, KOREA
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2. Importance of study on manufactured nanomaterials
Characteristic physico-
chemical properties of nanomaterials
Difficult application of
commercial analysis
Undefined risk of
manufactured nanomaterials
Increased exposure-frequency
of nanomaterials
International issue
Complex risk-prediction due to
manufacturing (e.g. surface modifications)
Studies concentrated on “manufactured nanomaterials” have the highest priority
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3. Nanomaterials : Emission & Exposure to Environment
Sources
Inhalation
Ambient air,
Workplace exposure
Point :
Manufacturing,
Landfills,
Wastewater effluent
Ingestion
Food, Drinking water,
Incidental
Non-Point :
Wear/Attrition of tires,
Sunscreen, Brake pads, etc;
Storm water run-off;
Wet deposition
Dermal
Sunscreen, Cosmetics
Accumulation
Uptake
Release
Air filtration
Surface Water
Photolysis
Coagulation and
Sedimentation UV
Ground Water
Air
Aggregation
Sand filtration
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Biotransformation
Transport and Transformation
Removal

4. The Research for Nanotechnology in Ministries and Institutes
Korea government is promoting the research of nanotechnology based on ‘Korea National Nanotechnology Development Plan’. At present, it is in ‘the 2nd Korea National Nanotechnology Development Plan (2006~2010)’.
In the 2nd Korea National Nanotechnology Development Plan, 4.8 mil. USD was invested from government and private corporations for the vision of ‘developing competitive power of nanotechnology for the technical big country.
The many ministries have been participated in the research of nanotechnology. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) generalizes the research of nanotechnology at the governmental levels.
By describing clearly as “After the head of the related ministries build the policy about nanotechnology in order to enhance the effectiveness of the policy promotion, it should be notified to the minister of the MEST (Nanotechnology Promotion Law, Clause 4, Art. 2)”, the national nanotechnology development policies have been promoted through the MEST to enhance effectiveness
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5. The Research Areas for Safety of Nanotechnology
The 2nd National Nanotechnology Development Plan
Authorization of the risk assessment center for nanotechnology
Analysis of social and economic effects of nanotechnology
Research about health, safety, environment, and ecosystem of
nanotechnology
Establishment of DB and information service
Preparation of toxicity/environmental test guideline
Mutual cooperation and connection to Ministry of Environment (NIER),
Korea Food & Drug Administration (KFDA), Korean Agency for
Technology and Standards(KATS), and Korea Research Institute of
Standards and Science (KRISS).
Improvement of the related law and system
Survey on the existing laws relating to the effects such as health,
safety, environment, and ecosystem of nanotechnology.
The review about need for future legal and regulatory
Supporting the monitoring research for the environment surveillance
system of nanomaterials release.
Research and preparing procedures for detecting the pollution source
of nano-products and nanomaterials
MEST et. al. (2005), The 2nd Korea National Nanotechnology Development Plan
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6. The Research Investment for Potential risk of
Nanotechnology in Ministries and Institutes
In the National Institute of Toxicological Research (NITR) under the KFDA, total 5.5 mil. USD will be invested to ‘the fundamental project about the toxicity of nanomaterials’ from 2007 to 2011 (1 mil. USD in 2007).
In the Korea Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (KIEST) under the Ministry of Environment (MOE), total 1.5 mil. USD will be invested to ‘Eco-technopia 21 Project’ from 2007 to 2010.
In the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF) under the MEST, the research expenses of total 5 mil. USD, 1.5 mil. USD per year, will be invested to ‘three detail projects of creative research initiatives in the nanotechnology development project’ from 2008 to 2010.
The chemical management division under the MOE is drawing up the 5-year roadmap for safe management of nanomaterials. The environmental health policy division is promoting the detail industrialization process of the large research field, ‘development of safe management for new environmental risky factors’ in the fusion environmental technology development project.
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7. Projects about Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) of Nanomaterials
Current EHS projects (completed/on-going) about nanomaterials
Researcher
Subject title
Sector
Subsector
Year
Korea Research Foundation
Environmental toxicity analysis and risk assessment of SiO2 and Ce2O3 nanopowder
Risk
Safety assessment
2006
Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency
Nanomaterial hazardous assessment and prevention strategy of occupational health effect
EHS
system/education/public relations
2007
Korea Institute of Environmental Science and Technology
Assessment of environmental exposure and effects and management technology of nanomaterials assessment and management
National Institute of Environmental Research
Database inventory for risk assessment of nanomaterials and methodological research of risk assessment
Ministry of Environment
Investigation of nanomaterials distribution (transfer and mitigation) and introduction strategy of survey system.
Management
2008
Personal protection equipment for safety assessment of nanomaterials and penetration research on artificial skin
Korea Science and Engineering Foundation
Creative research of basic science program about nanomaterials) – project no. 5, 6, & 7 (7/25)
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8. Cooperation of Ministries and Institutes
Ministry of
Labor
Ministry of
Knowledge& Economy
(Korean Agency
for Technology and
Standard)
Ministry of
Environment
(National Institute of
Environmental Research)
Food & Drug
Administration
(National Institute of
Toxicological Research)
Ministry of
Education,
Science ad Technology
(Korea Research Institute
of Standard & Science)

9. + 3-year Program (MoE) 1st year (2007) 2nd year (2008) 3rd year (2009)
The present state of production, manufacturing study, toxicity experimental data of nanomaterials
Report of state in Korea
Survey on the perception of the nanotechnology hazard
Screening of nano-monitoring methods
Source examination
Characterization of physico-chemical properties
Toxicity evaluation
1st year
(2007)
Drawing up road-map
Selection of exposure pathway
Suggestion of method for nanoLCA
Determination of ‘metric’ for nanotoxicity test +
Quantitative analysis for nanotoxicity
Selection / Development
Applicability test of LCA methods
2nd year
(2008)
Applicability test
Exposure assessment by nanoLCA
Selection of group of prior managing nanomaterials
Standardization
Adjustment
Env. monitoring
Source monitoring
Exposure assessment
3rd year
(2009)
environmental/human risk assessment
Selection of prior managing nanomaterials
Supporting international cooperation
Test guide line for evaluation of nanotoxicity 9

10. Nano(materials) risk management system
Final Goals
Nano(materials) risk management system
A close examination of sources of nanomaterials
in environment
Characterization of physico-chemical properties
Development of monitoring methods in environment and
sources
Development of environmental/human risk
assessment and OECD test guidelines
Systemization of molecular biological analytic methods based on omics for investigation of nanomaterials' toxic mechanism
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11. Toxicity Evaluation Development/achievement of nanomaterials' LCA
Development of environmental/human risk assessment and OECD test guide lines
Development of monitoring methods in environment and sources
Systemization of molecular biological analytic methods based on omics for investigation of nanomaterials' toxic mechanism
A close examination of sources of nanomaterials
Priority scoring of nanomaterials
Characterization of physico-chemical properties
Establishment of nanotoxicity D/B
Supporting decision making
Supporting international cooperation of ministry of environment
Survey on the perception of the nanotechnology hazard
Road-map
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12. Exposure assessment for nanomaterials
Questionnaire Survey about Emission Source in Korea
Nano-consumer Products in Korea
LCA methodology for Nanomaterials
Monitoring and Characterization
Safety test of PPE to nanoparticles
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13. Status of use of nano materials in Korea
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14. Example of Nano-consumer Products in Korea
Frying pan  
(ZrO2 coating)
Nano lab
Refrigerator
(AgNP)
Samsung, LG
Filter of water purifier
(AgNP)
Hankook bionano-tech
Toothpaste
(AgNP)
NPC
Lexon: conductivity coating sol
Nanochemical: Photocatalyst
Carbon nonotec: CNT, Nanofilter
ABC nanotec: Antibiotic AgNP
Nanomirea: Carbon nanofiber
1. Consumer products  large companies
2. Raw materials  Venture, small companies
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15. Environmental health hazard assessment for nanomaterials
Effects on Daphnia Magna, Chironomus riparius, Caenorhabditis elegans
Acute toxicity
experiments for physiological effects – growth & reproduction
Gene expression related to DNA damage / stress
Test methods for fish toxicity(Lethality of nanoparticle in Medaka embrio)
Coagulation/Granule-like precipitates /Developmental arrest, Curved spine
Non-inflated swim bladder,Swollen yolk
Cardiovascular system : Colorless Blood / Stasis of circulation
Inhalation toxicity/ Test methods for genotoxicity Comet Assay
MN Assay
Nanomaterials and oxidative stress
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16. Evaluation for toxicity mechanism based on the ‘Omics’
Test organisms
DNA microarray
Toxicity Classifications
Modes of Toxic Actions
- Real-Time RT-PCR
- Superoxide dismutase and catalase
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Stress-specific recombinant bioluminescent bacteria
Protein damage strain
Oxidative damage strain
DNA damage strain
mRNA extraction
Japanese Medaka
Control & exposure concentrations
Control & stock solutions
Test toxicants
[1] Silver Nanoparticles / [2] Silver Nitrate
[3] Gold Nanoparticles / [4] Silver Microparticle
1. 이미 구축된 발광박테리아(대장균) 균주에 나노파티클 입자를 처리해서 발광여부를 측정하고 해당 유전자의 발현을 확인함.
2. Toxicant에 대한 기초적인 성분 검증 후 두 가지 Organism에 대해서 물질 처리 후 일반적인 mRNA 추출 방법을 통해 gene expression 패턴을 분석하고 이를 마이크로어레이에 적용함. 몇 가지 바이오인포매틱스 분석 툴을 적용해서 어떻게 나노파티클에만 특이적인 바이오마커를 찾을 수 있을지 분석함
 두 가지 분석법의 가장 큰 차이는 specific한 stress 유전자단위(발광박테리아 실험)로 보느냐 아니면 global한 whole gene expression을 보느냐(toxicogenomics)에 있음….. 현재 발광박테리아 실험은 논문게재까지 완료되었으며 toxicogenomics는 논문 제작 진행중에 있음
Toxicogenomics
- Bioinformatics tools
- Public Web Database
(NCBI, TIGR, EcoCyc, SGD )
- Literature survey
NPs Analysis
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TEM
ELSS
ICP-OES
FTIR

17. International Cooperation on Nanosafety
OECD Activities
1. Introduction
2. Organization
3. Progress Statue
4. Future Plan
Reference
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18. International Activities
OECD WPMN : 8 Steering group
Exposure Measurements & Exposure Mitigation
OECD Database on EHS Research
Alternative methods
in Nano Toxicology
EHS Research Strategies on MN
Cooperation on
Risk Assessment
OECD
Safety Testing of a Representative of MN
Cooperation on Voluntary Schemes & regulatory Programs
MN & Test Guidelines
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19. Participation to OECD activities
WPMN (Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterial) (3rd Meeting, Nov. 2007) decided to organize SG7 and SG8.
Korea is working for SG1, SG3, SG4, and SG8 as a participant.
SG 1:
OECD Database on EHS Research
(Australia)
SG 5:
Co-operation on Voluntary Schemes and Regulatory Programs (Canada)
SG 8:
Exposure Measurements and Exposure Mitigation
(USA)
SG 2:
EHS Research Strategies on Manufactured Nanomaterials
(Germany)
SG 6:
Co-operation on Risk Assessment
(UK)
SG 7:
Alternative Methods in Nano Toxicology
(UK)
SG 3:
Safety Testing of Representative Set of Manufactured Nanomaterials
(USA), (EC)
SG 4:
Manufactured Nanomaterials and Test Guidelines
(USA), (EC)
Section 1:
Physical Chemistry Properties
Jeff Morris (US),
Peter Hatto (ISO/TC229)
Section 2:
Effects on Biotic Systems
Steve Diamond (US)
Section 3:
Degradation & Accumulation
Vacant
Section 4:
Health Effects
Robin Fielder (UK)
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20. Progress Status - (SG 3)
The list of manufactured nanomaterials; This list of manufactured nanomaterial should be consider as a “snapshot in time” of those nanomaterials in commerce or likely to enter into commerce in the near term.
Fullerenes
1) Fullerene (C60)
Carbon nanotubes
2) Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs)
3) Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)
Nanoparticles of elements
4) Silver nanoparticles,
5) Iron nanoparticles,
6) carbon black
Nanoparticles of metal oxides
7) Titanium dioxide
8) Aluminum oxide
9) Cerium oxide,
10) Zinc oxide
11) Silicon dioxide
Polymers and other organics
12) polystyrene
Dendrimers
13) dendrimers
Nanoplates
14) Nanoclays
5 types of fullerene (C60), MWCNT, Silver nanoparticles, TiO2, SiO2 since 2007
(Eco-Technopia-21 project, Ministry of Environment).
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21. Progress Status - (SG 4)
Review of existing standards for physico-chemical test methods: SG4 is considering the following set of physico-chemical characteristics to be a necessary pre-requisite of such toxicological assessment.
Agglomeration/ aggregation
Catalytic properties
Composition
Concentration
Crystalline phase
Dustiness
Fat solubility/ oleophilicity
Grain size
Hydrodynamic size/particle size measurement/ distribution
Length
Purity
Shape
Specific surface area
Surface charge
Surface chemistry
Water solubility/ hydrophilicity
Zeta potential
Key metrics (bold letter) and researched nanotoxicity since 2007 (Eco-Technopia-21 project, Ministry of Environment)
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22. Sponsorship Programme
Phase 1 (’08-’10)
- Data gathering
- Research Project : “Exploratory”
Interim Assessment : WPMN 8 (’11)
Phase 2
- Based on the result of the phase 1
- Decide additional endpoints/material to investigate
- develop data for decision support: “Regulatory”
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23. General Issues How to share test materials
How to account for testing already done on sponsored materials and endpoints
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24. Materials
Lead Sponsor(s)
Co-Sponsor(s)
Contributor
 Fullerenes (C60)
   Japan, USA
      China*
 SWCNTs
Germany, Canada, EU, 
France, China*
MWCNTs
 Korea, BIAC
Silver
   USA, Korea
Germany, Canada,
Australia*
Australia, EU
Iron
   China*
Canada, USA
 Carbon black
Germany, USA
Titanium dioxide
   Germany
Korea, Canada, Spain, BIAC, USA
 Aluminum oxide
 Cerium oxide
 UK/BIAC(NIA), USA
 Netherland
Australia, Germany, EU
 Zinc oxide
 UK/BIAC(NIA)
 Australia*, BIAC(CEFIC)
Australia, Canada
Silicon dioxide
 EU*
 Korea, BIAC(CEFIC)
EU, France
Polystyrene
Korea
Dendrimers
Spain
USA
 Nanoclays
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25. Future Plans
Cooperation & coodination with relevant stakeholders : OECD, ISO & national activities
Completed/On-going/Planned : Manufactured nanomaterials/technology, Environment and health safety
⇒ Report research status to OECD secretariat for information sharing
- Testing for OECD test guideline application
(Target : Molecular, Cellular, Cultural level of biota)
OECD Workshop on the Safety Testing of Manufactured Nanomaterials (19-21 November 2008, Busan, Korea)
DDP for Sponsorship Program : SG3, SG4, SG7

26. Information sharing OECD Korea Workshop (Nov. 19-21, 2008, Busan)
Development of DDP for Sponsorship Program : SG3, SG4, SG7 (alternatives)
* Symposium on EHS of Nanomaterials (Nov. 18, 2008, Busan)
Nurimaru APEC House
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27. Thank You For Your Attention
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