Chapter 8 – Nanotechnology safety in the construction and infrastructure industries

Abstract

The importance of construction and infrastructures cannot be undermined. Buildings, roads, bridges, dams, transportation systems, and other infrastructures have brought the nations of the world together in many ways and made it a much smaller place. This chapter mainly talks about the world’s construction industry and the advancement of new materials and technologies in the field of nanotechnology. It also discusses the shift toward sustainable development in the construction industry and how this development is applied by construction companies. Nanotechnology is pushing construction and infrastructure industries to use more efficient nanomaterials in order to make “smarter” building structures and infrastructures. However, the role of various nanomaterials in the construction industry has been debated. The widespread trend of using nanomaterials has been discouraged because of the biological and environmental health and safety impacts of using nanomaterials in construction and infrastructures. Governmental agencies are currently playing a major role in establishing rules and regulations that govern proper and efficient handling and use of nanomaterials. This study provides a look at the current situation and offers suggestions for continuing on our path toward sustainable development in the field.