Hacer Mutlu Danaci
Akdeniz University, Turkey
Title: Investigation of titanium dioxide used in architecture in the context of human health
Biography
Biography: Hacer Mutlu Danaci
Abstract
Titanium dioxide (TiOâ‚‚) nanoparticles have a wide range of applications including food, agriculture, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry, textile, plastic and paper industry, construction industry, since TiOâ‚‚ is a photo catalytic substance in building products, it is used to create self-cleaning surfaces. In addition, it finds use in building products due to its antibacterial properties, preventing steam formation, and creating UV resistant surfaces. In the paints applied to the exterior of the buildings, it prevents the adhesion of bacteria and dirt to the surface and ensures that the dirt is removed from the surface with the rain. It is used in coatings, ceramic surfaces, insulation products, photovoltaic batteries, although it is especially used in glasses due to its self-cleaning feature.
The aim of this study is to try to understand the possible effects of TiOâ‚‚ nanoparticles used in building products on human health. In line with the purpose of the study, a literature review was conducted. However, a direct study on the human health effects of TiOâ‚‚ nanoparticles on building products could not be reached. In this context, studies in various fields investigating the effects of TiOâ‚‚ nanoparticles on human health have been examined in the literature. The effects revealed in the studies examined were compiled within the scope of this study. Exposure to TiOâ‚‚ nanoparticles is by mouth, inhalation, and skin contact. In addition, drugs used, body implants and environmental pollution cause exposure to TiOâ‚‚ nanoparticles.
When the studies on the effects of TiOâ‚‚ nanoparticles on human health by multi-disciplines are examined, TiOâ‚‚ nanoparticles; It has been reported that it can cause toxic effects by accumulating in cells and tissues, cause edema and infection in the lungs, have a toxic effect on the blood-brain barrier, have a carcinogenic effect, affect the reproductive system, create an allergenic effect, and in some studies, no adverse effects have been observed. However, it was emphasized that more data and studies are needed. In addition, it was noted that the results of the experimental studies were related to the dose, method, duration, and particle size of the application.
With this study, it is thought that TiOâ‚‚-containing products can be evaluated in terms of human health in the selection of construction products, and awareness can be raised in the pre-determination of the risks that may arise later.