A couple of years ago, I wrote an article about investing in nanotechnology, which is why this presentation to the U.S. House of Representatives caught my eye. In it, expert David Rejeski reviews the scant scientific literature available on the environmental and health impacts of nanomaterials. He raises these points:

“Since engineered nanomaterials show behavior that depends on their
physical and chemical structure, risk assessment paradigms that have been
developed based on traditional, bulk chemistry alone may no longer be valid.
Inhaled, nanometer-structured, insoluble particles can elicit a greater
response in the lungs than their mass would suggest, indicating mechanisms
of action that are dependent on particle size, surface area, and surface
chemistry, among other properties. However, information is lacking on
nanomaterials’ structure-related behavior in the body.

Inhaled, nanometer-diameter particles may leave the lungs through
non-conventional routes and affect other parts of the body, including
targeting the cardiovascular system, the liver, kidneys, and the brain. Next
to nothing is known about the impact of engineered nanomaterials on these
organs.

Nanometer-diameter particles may be able to penetrate through the skin in
some cases, although this is still an area of basic research and the chances
of penetration appear to be significantly greater for damaged skin. The
potential for nanostructured particles present in cosmetics and other
skin-based products to do harm may be low, but remains unknown.
Virtually nothing is known about the hazard of engineered nanomaterials
ingested as a food additive or by accident.

Although an understanding of the impact of engineered nanomaterials and
nano-enabled products on the environment through their lifetime is
considered critical, virtually nothing is known at present.”

So, needless to say, it’s time to invest some of the government money for research on nanotechnology into nanomaterial health and safety. The full text of Mr. Rejeski’s presentation is available at the Organic Consumers Association.