Bridges Trade BioRes • Volume 6 • Number 22 • 15th December 2006

Experts Call for Research into Potential Dangers of Nanotechnology

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A team of experts have called for a programme of systematic risk research into the potential dangers of nanotechnology in consumer products. The team stated that while fears over nanotechnology’s risks may be exaggerated, they are not necessarily unfounded, and they merit further research.

Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating materials on a tiny molecular scale. Nanoparticles are one-billionth of a meter in size, which is bigger than an atom but smaller than a red blood cell.

Recently published studies have indicated that nanoparticles’ size, surface area, surface chemistry and ability to dissolve in water are all characteristics that may cause environmental or biological harm. Preliminary animal studies have indicated that nanoparticles can cause inflammation, damage brain-cells and trigger pre-cancerous lesions.

Andrew Maynard, the Woodrow Wilson Center’s chief science advisor for the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, warned in the paper, published in the 15 November edition of Nature journal, that “the threat of possible harm - whether real or imagined - is threatening to slow the development of nanotechnology unless sound, independent and authoritative information is developed on what the risks are and how to avoid them”. He and his colleagues posed five “grand challenges” to the research community at large, which include developing instruments to measure exposure to nanomaterials in the air and water, and to measure their short- and long-term toxicity. Maynard and his colleagues are particularly concerned about the eventual accumulation of engineered nanomaterials in water systems.

Over the past year the number of consumer products made with nanotechnology has sky-rocketed to 47, with a 70 percent increase in the last eight months alone. Nanomaterials are now used in everything from high-quality cosmetics to stain-resistant clothing, anti-germ food containers, and anti-bacterial washing machines.

The most often utilised nanomaterial today is nanosilver, which is usually marketed for its anti-bacterial effects.

“Boom in Nanotechnology Poses Consumer Risks, NRDC Warns,” NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL, 27 November 2006; “Five-Step Check for Nano Safety,” BBC NEWS, 16 November 2006; “Safety of Nanotechnology Needs More Attention,” ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE, 28 November 2006.