The environmental impact of a nanoparticle-based reduced need of cleaning product and the limitation thereof

Nano-TiO2 and nano-SiO2 have emerged as important nanoparticles to confer a reduced need of cleaning. The overall environmental impact of a nanoparticle-based reduced need of cleaning is uncertain, because only limited information about direct and indirect environmental impacts is available. It would seem that, as yet, there is no clear evidence that ‘self-cleaning' surfaces have a net direct environmental benefit, when eco-efficient cleaning methods are used. Main obstacles for achieving a direct environmental benefit follow from the inputs in creating ‘self-cleaning' surfaces, limitations to durability of ‘self-cleaning' properties and life cycle nanoparticle releases. Options for limiting the environmental impact of a nanoparticle-based reduced need of cleaning are presented, including options for the limitation of risk following from exposure to nanoparticles.