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Toxicity both long term and short use of nanotechnology products is an issue need to be addressed
seriously. Nanotechnology has both applications and implications for the environment US
Environmental Protection Agency say that it is supporting research in this technology while evaluating
its regulatory responsibility to protect the environment and human health.
US FDA has regulations and is strictly monitoring nanotechnology products and pharmaceuticals
undergo extensive animal and clinical studies for their efficiency and toxicity in human before reaching
the market. However, cosmetics and consumables are also intended to use in human, surprisingly they
need to meet very little safety requirements before hitting the market. That might be the reason for
nanotechnology to see the day of light early in cosmetics, for example liposomes are first introduced
in cosmetics in 1986 where as first liposomal pharmaceutical was introduced in 1995 and many other
nanotechnology based consumables are reaching the market.
Even though theses products are having the advantage of their nanotechnology, their toxicological
implications are uncertain. On March 31 first nanotechnology based glass-treating spray containing
nanoparticles was recalled by Federal Institute for Risk Assessment of Germany (BfR) from the
market due to respiratory problems in many consumers when used in confined place.
"Sealing sprays for glass and ceramics containing moisture-repellent nano particles and a propellant
should not be used in confined spaces". The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has good reason
for pointing this out. BfR say in a short space of time the poison control and treatment centres of the
federal states have reported 39 cases involving serious health disorders following the use of household
products of this kind. All the people involved complained of respiratory distress. In six cases
pulmonary oedemas were diagnosed which had to be treated in hospital.
they had inhaled components of the spray which had remained in the ambient air as fine particles of
the aerosol. The particles from the spray may have disrupted the function of the alveolar and bronchial
tissue in the lungs and, by extension, oxygen and moisture exchange. This led to respiratory distress
and, in severe cases, to accumulation of water in the lungs (pulmonary oedemas).
No such incidents have been reported in conjunction with products applied to surfaces using pump
bottles.
The competent regional authorities and the poison control and treatment centres of the federal states
have since issued warnings about two products. The incidents have also been recorded in the
European rapid alert system for non-food products RAPEX. The distributors have launched a recall
and advised against using the sprays. As the exact cause of the health disorders has still to be
established, BfR advises all consumers, who have already purchased nano-sealing sprays on a
propellant base, not to use them in confined spaces.
BfR is reports that, there is no information is available as to whether other products with
nano-technological components and a propellant (e.g. shoe care products, impregnating agents,
moisture blockers, etc.) are also on the market which may constitute a hazard. If respiratory disorders
should occur after using sprays of this kind, the consumers affected should immediately contact a
doctor or a poison control and treatment centre. It is important to bear in mind that in order to fully
understand the situation they need to see the product used!
Because of these recent incidents BfR points out that, in accordance with the Chemicals Act, doctors
in Germany are bound to notify the BfR Poison and Product Documentation Centre of any health
impairments in conjunction with chemical products. BfR is working flat out to establish the cause of
the occurrence of these recent health disorders. There are plans for scientific discussions.
This recent development indicates that there is a strict regulations is necessary for the nanotechnology
based cosmetics and consumables which come in human direct contact. May be they need to under
go initial toxicological studies before getting the market approval along with a necessary labeling
instructions for usage. Better body of knowledge need to be developed in the area of toxicity of nano
based products
Based on http://www.bfr.bund.de/cms5w/sixcms/detail.php/7699
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