Nanotechnology based products make their way onto store shelves without disclosure of risks or regulations.
Although the concept of nanotechnology as we know it was first introduced by Richard Feynman in 1959, it has only been recently that great numbers of nanoproducts have shown up on store shelves. Current estimates suggest over 800 nanotechnology products and component products are available to consumers. Although some products like tennis rackets are distinct and easy to identify, other component products or ingredients like packaging and food additives are much harder to recognize as nanotechnology.
The term ‘nano’ refers to things that are very small, usually less than 100 nm (nano meters) in size. To put that in perspective, a human hair is about 80,000 nm wide and red blood cell is about 7,000 nm, DNA about 3 nm. What’s important about things this small is that they no longer follow the predictable laws of physics but instead often act more unpredictably according to the laws of quantum mechanics. Substances that act one way in a naturally occurring state may act entirely differently when broken down into nano-sized particles. Aspects such as toxicity, solubility and reactivity can be less predictable.
Test tube studies have shown that some nanomaterials are toxic to human tissues, cells and DNA. Other studies have shown that some nanomaterials can kill beneficial soil bacteria and aquatic invertebrates, stunt plant root growth and cause brain damage in fish. Although not all nanomaterials will prove toxic to humans or the environment, there is a clear need for caution.
In a 2004 report, the United Kingdom's Royal Society recognized the serious risks of nano-toxicity and recommended that "ingredients in the form of nanoparticles should undergo a full safety assessment by the relevant scientific advisory body before they are permitted for use in consumer products". To my knowledge, there are currently no regulations in regards to nanotechnology in Canada or anywhere in the world . Even Canadian Certified Organic products may legally contain nanoparticles. Despite having big budget nano-research programs, many big-name major food companies refuse to say publicly whether or not their food products contain nanotechnology.
One of the more startling uses of nanotechnology occurs when it’s combined with genetic modification to conduct what is known as ‘synthetic biology’. The goal of the synthetic biologist is to take control of the fundamental building blocks of life or the molecules that make up DNA. By taking control of the molecules of DNA at this level, synthetic biologists are able to create customized and clearly patentable strands of DNA from the ground up as opposed to just fusing the DNA of difference organisms like genetic engineering does.
With some moral reservations, I appreciate these discoveries and see them as valuable tools in expanding our understanding of the world around us. However, I am less enthusiastic about putting these technologies into our food and consumer products without labeling and disclosure and before rigorous environmental and human safety testing is completed and published. The Australian Government is in the process of setting up a commission to study how they may address concerns. A few companies are addressing consumer concerns by voluntarily labeling their products as ‘Nano-Free’.
Some common products that may contain nanotechnology are toothpaste, canola oil, sunscreen, skin creams, hair care products, insect repellants, bandages, antimicrobial soaps, disinfectant wipes, fabrics, air fresheners, water filters, waxes, beer, vitamins and a variety of food additives, containers and packaging.
Here is a list of some voluntarily disclosed products containing nanotechnology: http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/consumer/browse/categories/
For a more detail information on the subject follow these links; http://www.foeeurope.org/activities/nanotechnology/Documents/Nano_food_report.pdf
http://www.foe.org.au/resources/chain-reaction/editions/100/nano-food-versus-real-food/
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