Thinking ahead to avert a Nano Tragedy

Technology Review, published by MIT, 27th July 2006 reports the following:

Although there is no proof of health risks to humans from nanoparticles, studies do show that materials at this scale behave in some worrying ways, for example, by slipping from the lungs into the bloodstream, and infiltrating other organs, possibly even the brain.

But current efforts at assessing the risk of nanoparticles, including ones already used in sunscreens, face creams, and food supplements, are unfocused and leave gaps in our understanding that "at best...create uncertainties -- and at worst, dangers -- for workers, companies, consumers, investors, and insurers," according to Andrew Maynard, chief science advisor for the Project on Emerging Technologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC.

Today, the center released a new report calling for a systematic approach to risk research into nanotechnologies that would include research in a number of areas: the toxicity of substances, how to handle them in the workplace, possible links to specific diseases, and the long-term ways to predict what nanomaterials are likely to be dangerous -- and how to design them to improve their safety.

The report also calls for more funding: a total of $50 million per year for two years, with more to follow.

The report can be downloaded from the Project's website.

Posted by Amanda McMurray, Cenamps' Commercialisation Manager