Nanotechnology

On the event of a new article published in Environmental Science & Technology, Toxic Skinny is eager to have this opportunity to talk about nanotechnology. Using tiny particles in new molecular configurations has amazing potential to deliver drugs to diseased human cells, purify water, lighten vehicles to make them more fuel efficient, and other cool things. However, some nanotechnology applications may also allow these tiny particles to clog arteries, damage organs and wreak all sorts of unintended havoc. The problem, the long and excellent article states, is that there is no uniform or convincing set of standards for testing these materials for potential toxicological effects:

...the scientific community has yet to determine which nanomaterials are hazardous to the environment or humans, because of a lack of methodology, metrology, and other basics, including how to actually monitor nanoparticles in air, for example. The diversity of nanomaterials, both existing ones and those to come, also presents a challenge.

So how do we know which everyday products and technologies contain nanomaterials? You might be surprised to learn they are already approved for use in sunscreens, anti-microbial socks and other clothing, Chanel's Moisture Mist and on and on. The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, an effort funded by the Woodrow Wilson Center and the Pew Charitable Trusts, offers a relatively user-friendly database. Check it out here.

The Skinny:
For now, we must recommend avoiding purchasing products that you know contain nanotechnology and that come into contact with skin, like suntan lotions and clothing, especially for children, until the product-safety glitches get worked out. That snazzy carbon-fiber bike you've been eying? We say go for it. It'll keep you off the couch.