Federal Environment Agency warns against nanotechnology

The tiny particles are being found in more and more food, clothing and cosmetics - the Federal Environment Agency is now warning consumers about the risks of nanotechnology: some of the particles could cause damage to health. So far, there is no mandatory labelling for nanoproducts.

21.10.2009, 07.08 a.m

Munich - In a still unpublished study, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) warns of health hazards that may result from industrial use in food, clothing, cosmetics, and other products. The authority recommends caution when using products containing the small particles until their effects on the environment and human health have been better researched. In addition, the authority also calls for mandatory labelling and a registration register for products containing nanoparticles. This would affect more than 800 companies in Germany that are active in nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is used, for example, to inhibit the growth of bacteria in textiles and thus prevent unpleasant odours, to suppress the formation of a grey haze on chocolate bars or to block ultraviolet rays in sun creams.

The UBA cites studies according to which nanoparticles that are invisible to the naked eye can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause inflammation there. In animal experiments the particles have migrated into the nucleus of body cells and damaged the genetic information there. There are also indications that carbon nanotubes can cause diseases similar to those of asbestos fibres in animals.

The use of particles measuring a millionth of a millimetre in size is of interest to many branches of industry because they have useful chemical and physical properties. However, their tiny size also carries the risk that they are much more likely to overcome the natural barriers in the body - such as the blood-brain barrier.

Translated Version - Original here