Chapter 5 – Nanotechnology safety in the automotive industry

Abstract

A number of nanoscale materials have been developed and utilized for the physical, chemical, and physicochemical property improvement of parts and devices used in the automotive industry. The quantity of these nanomaterials has been growing rapidly because of their extraordinary properties. Nevertheless, recent studies conducted on their toxicity have shown that some of them, in differing surface areas, sizes, shapes, surface charges, and compounds, interact with human cells or organs and damage them, block blood flow, and cause other serious illnesses. If we understand the causes and mechanisms of these nanomaterial interactions in the automotive industry, it’s more than likely we will find cures for the deadly diseases associated with them. In this chapter, we report, in detail, on those nanomaterials, health and safety issues, and protection methods and present recent developments in the field that may be useful for workers’ protection.