TECHNOLOGY
German Authorities emphasize Nanotech's risks; no long-term studies exist
Promising potential of the technology comes with a risk for health and environment. Nano particles can damage lungs and cause inflammation.
Garden of Healing®
German authorities have sounded the alarm over the risks posed by nanotechnology when used in food, clothing, cosmetics and other products.
Germany's Federal Environment Agency has advised consumers against using such products until their long-term effects on people's health has been carefully studied.
Nanoscience is the world of small length scales of objects of physical, chemical or biological interest. It deals with matter on an ultra-small scale. A nano particle is 40,000 smaller than the width of the average human hair.
Nanotechnology has often been hailed as a technology of the future, but it's already here, used in a wide array of products.
Paints with nano particles allows graffiti to be washed off more easily. Tooth fillings with nano particles are less likely to fall out.. Nanotechnology is also used in a variety of food products, such as sugar where the particles make the sugar crystals sprinkle better.
Professor Dieter Stuermer from the Bonn-based Institute for Science and Ethics says people should be especially aware of the danger that nano particles can damage lungs and cause inflammation. In particular, he criticizes nanotechnology companies for not taking enough account of the possible negative side-effects of their products.
No debate about the risks has taken place, critics warn. Not only because there are no long-term studies available on the impact of nano particles on human health. But also because consumers don't even know what products include nanotechnology due to a lack of any kind of labeling system.
The German Federal Environment Agency has called for a clear legal framework to provide a safe way to use the new technology. All products using nanotechnology should be listed, the agency suggests.
In a report the Agency admits that the new technology does not only pose risks but also offers vital possibilities for the environment. For instance, plastic with nanotechnology can help to reduce the weight of cars and planes and thereby help to save fuel.
The German ministry for education and research is convinced that nanotechnology will be a major factor in boosting the German economy as the country fights its way out of the current recession. It believes that sales of nano products globally could be worth three trillion US dollars over the next six years.
© 1996 - 2009 The Garden of Healing® Company. All Rights Reserved.
German Authorities emphasize Nanotech's risks; no long-term studies exist
Promising potential of the technology comes with a risk for health and environment. Nano particles can damage lungs and cause inflammation.
Garden of Healing®
German authorities have sounded the alarm over the risks posed by nanotechnology when used in food, clothing, cosmetics and other products.
Germany's Federal Environment Agency has advised consumers against using such products until their long-term effects on people's health has been carefully studied.
Nanoscience is the world of small length scales of objects of physical, chemical or biological interest. It deals with matter on an ultra-small scale. A nano particle is 40,000 smaller than the width of the average human hair.
Nanotechnology has often been hailed as a technology of the future, but it's already here, used in a wide array of products.
Paints with nano particles allows graffiti to be washed off more easily. Tooth fillings with nano particles are less likely to fall out.. Nanotechnology is also used in a variety of food products, such as sugar where the particles make the sugar crystals sprinkle better.
Professor Dieter Stuermer from the Bonn-based Institute for Science and Ethics says people should be especially aware of the danger that nano particles can damage lungs and cause inflammation. In particular, he criticizes nanotechnology companies for not taking enough account of the possible negative side-effects of their products.
No debate about the risks has taken place, critics warn. Not only because there are no long-term studies available on the impact of nano particles on human health. But also because consumers don't even know what products include nanotechnology due to a lack of any kind of labeling system.
The German Federal Environment Agency has called for a clear legal framework to provide a safe way to use the new technology. All products using nanotechnology should be listed, the agency suggests.
In a report the Agency admits that the new technology does not only pose risks but also offers vital possibilities for the environment. For instance, plastic with nanotechnology can help to reduce the weight of cars and planes and thereby help to save fuel.
The German ministry for education and research is convinced that nanotechnology will be a major factor in boosting the German economy as the country fights its way out of the current recession. It believes that sales of nano products globally could be worth three trillion US dollars over the next six years.
© 1996 - 2009 The Garden of Healing® Company. All Rights Reserved.
