International trade policies and sustainability of nano-textiles

Authors:
Badri G. Narayanan, PhD, Economist, School of Environment and Forestry Sciences, University of Washington Seattle, USA
Naveen R. Kadasala, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Faculty of Material Science Engineering, Purdue University, USA
L.V. Narayan Achari, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Faculty of Material Science Engineering, Purdue University, USA
Seshadev Sahoo, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Faculty of Material Science Engineering, Purdue University, USA
Pages: 27-33
DOI: 10.21272/sec.1(2).27-33.2017

Download:	Views:	Downloads:

Abstract

While a considerable part of developments in the field of industrial and technical textiles involves nano-materials, there are increasing challenges faced across the world in their acceptability and sustainability. Their potential adverse impact has been documented in the scientific literature. European Commission and USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) have already come up with regulations that govern these materials. In future, therefore, we can expect trade sanctions by these countries on exports of nano-textiles from countries like India. In this paper, we shall discuss the technical literature that points towards potential hazards of nano-textiles and the policy aspects currently in place. Further, we employ a widely used global economic (Computable General Equilibrium) model (GTAP – Global Trade Analysis Project) to evaluate the economic and business impact of such sanctions quantitatively, in a stochastic and comparative setting.

Keywords: international trade, environment, health, BPA, plastics.

JEL Classification: F13, F18, C68, I18, L5, N4.

Cite as: Narayanan, B. G., Kadasala, N. R., Achari, L. V. N., Sahoo, S. (2017). International trade policies and sustainability of nano-textiles. SocioEconomic Challenges, 1(2), 27-33. http://doi.org/10.21272/sec.1(2).27-33.2017.

References

Aitken, R., et al. (2006). Manufacture and use of nanomaterials: current status in the UK and global trends. Occupational Medicine, 56(5), 300-306.
Ulrich, C. (2006). Nano-textiles are engineering a safer world. Human Ecology, 34(2), 2.
Mitrano, D.M., et al. (2014). Presence of nanoparticles in wash water from conventional silver and nano-silver textiles. ACS nano, 8(7), 7208-7219.
Singh, V., et al. (2006). Applications and future of nanotechnology in textiles, in National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference, January 3, 2006.
Windler, L., et al. (2012). Release of titanium dioxide from textiles during washing. Environmental Science & Technology, 46(15), 8181-8188.
Nowack, B., et al. (2012). Potential scenarios for nanomaterial release and subsequent alteration in the environment. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 31(1), 50-59.
Gottschalk, F., Nowack, B. (2011). The release of engineered nanomaterials to the environment. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 13(5), 1145-1155.
Klaine, S.J., et al. (2008). Nanomaterials in the environment: behavior, fate, bioavailability, and effects. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 27(9), 1825-1851.
Petersen, A., et al. (2007). Nanotechnologies, risk and society.
Wiench, K., et al. (2009). Acute and chronic effects of nano-and non-nano-scale TiO2 and ZnO particles on mobility and reproduction of the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna. Chemosphere, 76(10), 1356-1365.
Handy, R.D., Shaw, B.J. (2007). Toxic effects of nanoparticles and nanomaterials: implications for public health, risk assessment and the public perception of nanotechnology. Health, Risk & Society, 9(2), 125-144.
Johnson, D.R., et al. (2010). Potential for occupational exposure to engineered carbon-based nanomaterials in environmental laboratory studies. Environmental Health Perspectives, 49-54.
OECD Annual Report (2009).
Nerlich, B., Clarke, D.D., Ulph, F. (2007). Risks and benefits of nanotechnology: How young adults perceive possible advances in nanomedicine compared with conventional treatments. Health, Risk & Society, 9(2), 159-171.
Powell, M.C. (2007). New risk or old risk, high risk or no risk? How scientists’ standpoints shape their nanotechnology risk frames. Health, Risk & Society, 9(2), 173-190.
Ganzleben, C., et al. (2011). Review of Environmental Legislation for the Regulatory Control of Nanomaterials: Final Report.
Duvall, M., Wyatt, A. (2011). Regulation of nanotechnology and nanomaterials at EPA and around the world: Recent developments and context. Washington, DC: Beveridge & Diamond, PC.
Hertel, T.W. (1997). Global trade analysis: modeling and applications. Cambridge university press.
Narayanan, G.B., Angel Aguiar, McDougall, R. (2012). Global Trade, Assistance, and Production: The GTAP 8 Data Base. Center for Global Trade Analysis, Purdue University.