The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union (EU) have announced separate plans to study nanotechnology, a field believed to have huge potential in food processing and packaging. EPA’s strategy involves studying over the next several years how manufactured nanomaterials may harm human health and the environment. “EPA’s role among federal agencies is to determine the potential hazards of nanotechnology and develop approaches to reduce or minimize any risks identified,” according to an EPA news release. The research will use a “multidisciplinary approach that examines all aspects of nanomaterials in the environment, from their manufacture and use to their disposal or recycling.” EU plans to develop a strategy on how best to reap the economic benefits of nanotechnology because of its “exceptional importance for being at the forefront of managing the shift to a low carbon, knowledge-based economy,” according to an EU news release. “Mastering such technologies lays [a]…
Tag Archives nanotechnology
Chinese researchers studying seven women purportedly exposed to nanoparticles in the workplace for 5-13 months sought to determine if their shortness of breath and pleural effusions could be linked to their exposure. Y. Song, et al., “Exposure to nanoparticles is related to pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma,” European Respiratory Journal, August 20, 2009. According to the abstract of their article, “polyacrylate, consisting of nanoparticles, was confirmed in the workplace,” and electron microscopy revealed nanoparticles in “the cytoplasm and caryoplasm of pulmonary epithelial and mesothelial cells,” as well as in the chest fluid of the subjects. The researchers have concluded that the cases “arouse concern that long-term exposure to some nanoparticles without protective measures may be related to serious damage to human lungs.” The research has generated debate among nanotech researchers and scientists. Two of the women studied have reportedly died. Working in an unidentified Chinese printing factory, they were apparently…
According to Louisiana and Arkansas university researchers, entrapping betacarotene with nanoparticles could provide a way to use “natural” ingredients as food colorants. Carlos Astete, et al., “Ca2+ Cross-Linked Alginic Acid Nanoparticles for Solubilization of Lipophilic Natural Colorants,” Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, August 3, 2009. The research was undertaken in response to consumer concerns about the use of synthetic ingredients in food products. Using various production methods, solvents and nanoparticle sizes, the scientists found a method that produced substances which could readily be incorporated in an industrial scale process. Simply changing nanostructure concentration could, according to one of the authors, allow color changes “from dark orange to yellow.”
The Nanotechnology Standards Panel of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will meet September 9, 2009, in Chicago. The meeting will be held during the Nanobusiness Alliance Conference. The panel has been working to develop nanotechnology-related standards involving nomenclature/terminology; materials properties; and testing, measurement and characterization procedures. ANSI’s efforts are in support of international nanotechnology standards initiatives and could result in federal regulation. Nanomaterials are used in hundreds of products including food packaging.
The Investor Environmental Health Network has issued a report urging federal regulators to change shareholder reporting requirements to close loopholes that are allowing corporations to use nanotechnologies without disclosing their potential long-term risks to investors. Titled “Bridging the Credibility Gap, Eight Corporate Liability Accounting Loopholes That Regulators Must Close,” the report explores two case studies, asbestos and nanotechnology, to show how Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules allow companies to underreport or fail to report product risks and liabilities until after they have become targets of litigation and may be on the verge of bankruptcy. The network describes itself as an organization that encourages companies through dialogue and shareholder resolutions “to adopt policies to continually and systematically reduce and eliminate the toxic chemicals in their products.” Its members and advisory panel include groups such as the As You Sow Foundation, Sierra Club Mutual Funds, Friends of the Earth, and Campaign for…
The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a joint expert meeting titled Application of Nanotechnologies in the Food and Agriculture Sectors: Potential Food Safety Implications, to be held June 1-5, 2009, in Rome, Italy. The gathering will reportedly address the potential food safety risks that may arise from nanoparticles, particularly in the areas of (i) nanotechnology applications in plant and animal food production; and (ii) nanotechnology applications in food processing, packaging and distribution.
University of Cincinnati College of Law Professor James O’Reilly recommends that defense lawyers begin preparing now for a reasonably predictable wave of litigation involving exposures to nano-sized materials that are being used in increasing number in a variety of foods and other products. According to O’Reilly, defense lawyers should be partnering with the health, safety and environmental professionals in key client organizations and starting to revise material safety data sheets, referring to them as important vehicles for risk disclosure and excellent defense tools. O’Reilly also suggests that counsel (i) “urge investment in engineering controls on the lines where the nanoparticles are dumped, sprayed or handled”; (ii) “encourage the medical department or industrial hygiene team to track the medical and compensation claims of lung and internal organ problems, and lost-time illnesses, that have both a base line among the worker population before nano-materials use, and a potential for a ‘spike’ increase…
This article explores recent nanotechnology innovations designed to “extend food shelf life, add health benefits, impact flavor or even signal bacteria contamination,” likening current public concern to the mishandled controversy over genetically modified crops. According to the article, “the top ten reasons why we should continue the conversation about using nanotechnology in food” include cutting-edge devices that could (i) signal contamination; (ii) provide antimicrobial packaging; (iii) improve food storage; (iv) enhance nutrient delivery; (v) produce environmentally friendly products; (vi) reduce pesticide use; (vii) track brands and products; (viii) improve texture; (ix) boost flavor profiles; and (x) identify and eliminate bacteria. The article also suggests greater transparency in research and development to assuage any consumer trepidation about nanoparticles in food. “The security intended to deter competitors from stealing ideas can also make identifying potential harm more difficult for the regulatory agencies trying to manage risks and create law for this emerging…
The House of Lords Science & Technology Committee has created a subcommittee to investigate the use of nanotechnology in the food sector. Led by Lord John Richard Krebs, the inquiry will focus on food products, additives and supplements; food contact packaging; food processing; animal feed; pesticides and fertilizers; and food containers and utensils. “We intend to highlight those areas where our understanding of the use of nanotechnologies in food needs the most urgent attention, allowing us to take action to ensure appropriate steps are taken,” Krebs was quoted as saying. See Foodbev.com, February 4, 2009. The subcommittee has also issued a call for evidence seeking input on a range of issues involving (i) the state of the science and its current use in the food sector; (ii) health and safety; (iii) regulatory framework; and (iv) public engagement and consumer information. The deadline for written submissions is March 13, 2009. See House…
In late January 2009, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control sent a letter to more than two dozen businesses and research centers “requiring information regarding analytical test methods, fate and transport in the environment, and other relevant information from manufacturers of carbon nanotubes.” Among the specific questions the agency posed are (i) “What is the value chain for your company? For example, in what products are your carbon nanotubes used by others? In what quantities? Who are your major customers?”; (ii) “What is your knowledge about the safety of your chemical in terms of occupational safety, public health and the environment?”; and (iii) “When released, does your material constitute a hazardous waste under California Health & Safety Code provisions?” Environmentalists are reportedly concerned that the questions are “vague” and that companies should be required to provide more specific data. They also apparently complain that giving the companies a year to…
