NANOTECHNOLOGY

Dangers come in small particles
Hundreds of nanotechnology applications are already in commercial production despite a huge health and safety question mark. Hazards looks at how an industry the safety authorities admit they know precious little about has been allowed to grow, unregulated, into the biggest thing since the microchip.
Read the special online report, August 2004, and Hazards 87 feature [pdf]

CDC/NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 60: Interim Guidance for Medical Screening and Hazard Surveillance for Workers Potentially Exposed to Engineered Nanoparticles, CDC/NIOSH, February 2009.

TUC nanotechnology factsheet
TUC calls for a "precautionary approach" to work with nanomaterials. August 2004

Nanotechnology and workplace safety and health
The US government safety research body NIOSH has produced a short guide to nanotechnology health and safety. The guide concludes: "There are still many knowledge gaps to be filled before we fully understand how to work safely with these materials. Until these and other research questions are answered, it is prudent to proceed with caution when working with nanomaterials."
Nanotechnology and workplace safety and health [pdf] • Risks 177, 9 October 2004

What's the problem with nanotechnology?
ETC answers key questions about the evidence, existing standards and what workers should do. more

The OECD Database on Research into Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials collects information on research projects that address environmental, human health and safety issues of manufactured nanomaterials

NanoAction

Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies

Friends of the Earth nanotechnology project.

NEWS

USA: Warning to investors on nanotech risks
Nanotech firms are hiding potential long-term problems from investors who could face asbestos like liabilities from risks emerging over the coming decades. The warning comes in report from the Investor Environmental Health Network, a partnership of investment managers concerned about the financial and public health risks associated with corporate toxic chemicals policies.
Bridging the credibility gap: eight corporate liability accounting loopholes that regulators must close, Sanford Lewis IEHN report, June 2009 – full report [pdf] and related YouTube interview with Sanford Lewis • Cold Truth.com • Risks 412
Hazards news, 27 June 2009

Global: Nanotubes can attack the immune system
Inhaling carbon nanotubes can suppress the immune system, according to new research. The findings raise possible health concerns for those working in the manufacture of the materials. 
JD McDonald and others. Mechanisms for how inhaled multiwalled carbon nanotubes suppress systemic immune function in mice, Nature Nanotechnology. Published online: 14 Jue 2009. doi:10.1038/nnano.2009.151 [abstract] • The Guardian • Risk management of carbon nanotubes, HSE information sheet, March 2009 [pdf] • Risks 411
Hazards news, 20 June 2009

Global: You may never know its nano
You may never know a product contains nanomaterials, because any mention is fast disappearing from product labels. Top experts addressing a meeting last week of consumer groups from the EU and US said some products containing nanoparticles do not mention this on their labels, while other firms are falsely claiming to have enhanced their products by using nanotechnology.
TACD conference presentations • Euractiv.com • Risks 411
Hazards news, 20 June 2009

Europe: EU asks for views on nano risks
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the potential risks emerging from the use of nanomaterials. Unions have complained that the European Commission is overly complacent and that the EU should, in any case be following the line of the British HSE and demanding a precautionary approach to work with nanomaterials.
European Commission consultation notice • Risks 404
Hazards news, 2 May 2009

Australia: Unions demand nanotech law
The rapidly growing nanotechnology market requires urgent regulation to protect the health and safety of workers and consumers, Australia’s unions have said. Unions are concerned at mounting evidence showing some nanomaterials are potentially hazardous yet the industry is growing without adequate worker protections.
ACTU news release and factsheet [pdf] • ABC News and related audio report • Sydney Morning Herald • The Age • Risks 402
Hazards news, 18 April 2009

Europe: ‘No data, no market’ for nano
The European Parliament's environment committee is calling for tighter controls on nanotechnology, including the application of the ‘no data, no market’ principle contained in the REACH chemical safety law.
EEB news release [pdf] • REHS news report • ETUC news release and Nanocap conference presentation [pdf]
New resource: The OECD Database on Research into Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials collects information on research projects that address environmental, human health and safety issues of manufactured nanomaterials • Risks 401
Hazards news, 11 April 2009

Australia: Protect workers from nano risks
Australian unions and industry are calling for urgent regulation to protect workers from the risks of nanotechnology. Steve Mullins of national union federation ACTU, a panel contributor, commented: “What is happening is the market is growing in an unregulated space and that is dangerous for workers. From our point of view we need regulation in place by the end of this year.”
ABC News • Audio of the nanotechnology and occupational health panel discussion • Risks 400
Hazards news, 4 April 2009

USA: More damning evidence on nanotubes
A US government research body has confirmed that inhaled carbon nanotubes can penetrate deep into the lung and then migrate into other tissues. The scientists from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) say this raises a warning flag about a possible cancer risk, with the alert coming hot on the heels of a warning from the UK health and safety watchdog, which has called for “a precautionary approach” to the use of carbon nanotubes.  
Andrew Schneider Investigates • The Pump Handle • Risks 399
Hazards news, 28 March 2009

Finland: Researchers warn of nano catastrophe
There are over 600 products in the shops based on nanomaterials, but we know barely anything about the risks, a Finnish expert has warned. Kai Savolainen, director of nanotechnology safety research at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), said when the economic expectations are big, there is a tendency to ignore the health risks.
Trade Union News from Finland • Risks 398
Hazards news, 21 March 2009

Britain: Official warning on nanotubes
The UK government’s workplace health and safety watchdog has called for “a precautionary approach” to the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) information sheet says: “If their use cannot be avoided, HSE expects a high-level of control to be used,” adding: “It is good practice to label the material ‘Caution: substance not yet fully tested.”
Risk management of carbon nanotubes, HSE information sheet, March 2009 [pdf] • Risks 397
Hazards news, 14 March 2009

Europe: Nano differences start to surface
Concerns about the approach to the regulation and control of nanomaterials are surfacing in Europe. A British manufacturer of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has pre-registered the product with Europe’s chemical watchdog as a substance distinct from other forms of carbon, which it says have dramatically different properties and the European Parliament has raised concerns about “potentially present significant new risks.”
Chemical Watch • Bioworld Today • Safenano • Risks 395
Hazards news, 28 February 2009

Australia: ACTU publishes nano seminar papers
Australian national union federation ACTU has made available online the papers from its seminar on occupational health and safety and nanotechnology.
ACTU nano seminar presentations • Risks 393
Hazards news, 14 February 2009

Canada: World’s first nanotech law due
The Canadian government is planning to release the world’s first national regulation requiring companies to detail their use of engineered nanomaterials, reports say. The information gathered under the requirement, which it is thought will be published in February, will be used to evaluate the risks of engineered nanomaterials and will help the development of appropriate safety measures to protect human health and the environment.
NEP news report • Risks 391
Hazards news, 31 January 2009

USA: Nanotech safety may get higher priority
Draft legislation put forward by a top US government committee suggests nanotechnology safety may be set to take a higher priority. The House Science and Technology Committee has introduced new legislation, the latest recognition of the need to strengthen federal efforts to learn more about the potential environmental and health and safety risks posed by engineered nanomaterials.
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies news report • Risks 390
Hazards news, 24 January 2009

USA: Report derides nanotech risk strategy
The US government's plans to research the potential health and environmental risks from engineered nanomaterials are woefully inadequate, an expert panel of the National Research Council has said. The highly critical report describes serious shortfalls in the Bush administration’s strategy to better understand the environmental and health and safety risks of nanotechnology and to effectively manage those potential risks.
National Research Council news release • Review of the federal strategy for nanotechnology-related environmental, health and safety research • The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies news report • ENS newswire • New York Times • Risks 387
Hazards news, 20 December 2008

Britain: Nanotechnology controls are ‘inadequate’
Nanomaterials are likely to kill people in the future unless extensive safety checks are put in place, a Royal Commission report has said. The team of experts assessing the likely impacts of the emerging technology called for urgent action after concluding current testing arrangements “are inadequate” and there are “areas of particular concern regarding governance and regulation of nanomaterials.”
Royal Commission news release [pdf] • Novel materials in the environment: The case of nanotechnology Full report [pdf], summary report [pdf] and supporting studies • The Times • Telegraph • Daily Mail • BBC News Online • The Guardian • Risks 382
Hazards news, 15 November 2008

Global: Trade unions demand nano protection
Holland’s main union federation has called on the Dutch labour minister to introduce preventive measures for workers exposed to nanomaterials. In a letter dated 9 October, FNV notes: “The FNV cannot accept the existing indistinctness on the protective measures that should be taken by companies to assure sufficient protection when working with nanoparticles.”
HESA news report including a link to the full English language FNV letter • Risks 380
Hazards news, 1 November 2008

Global: Real life work nano risks revealed
A paper published online in October in the Annals of Occupational Hygiene found that measures of real-time worker exposure during a nanoparticle manufacturing process showed “elevated number concentrations during production, which can be an order of magnitude higher than background levels.” The authors conclude: “These results are important for workers, employers and regulators in the nanotechnology field as they provide information on encountered exposures and possibilities for mitigation measures.”
Evangelia Demou, Philippe Peter and Stefanie Hellweg. Exposure to manufactured nanostructured particles in an industrial pilot plant, Annals of Occupational Hygiene Advance Access, published online on 17 October 2008. doi:10.1093/annhyg/men058. [abstract] • Risks 380
Hazards news, 1 November 2008

Global: Carbon nanotubes cancer review
Friends of the Earth Australia (FoEA) has released an overview of the key studies investigating the potential for carbon nanotubes to cause asbestos-like disease. FoEA says despite health concerns, commercial use of carbon nanotubes is growing rapidly – in sports goods, car and aeroplane parts, reinforced plastics and electronics.
FoEA publication note and full report, Mounting evidence that carbon nanotubes may be the new asbestos [pdf] • Risks 272
Hazards news, 6 September 2008

Global: Nanotech needs to learn lessons
Industry, government and scientists must learn the lessons of past health and safety tragedies to ensure the safe and responsible development of emerging nanotechnologies, a report has warned. The expert analysis in the journal Nature Nanotechnology applies the 12 “late lessons from early warnings” identified by the European Environment Agency (EEA) to nanotechnology.
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies news report • Steffen Foss Hansen, Andrew Maynard, Anders Baun and Joel A Tickner. Late lessons from early warnings for nanotechnology, Nature Nanotechnology, Advance online publication • Risks 368
Hazards news, 9 August 2008

Europe: Top union body calls for nano precaution
Europe’s trade union confederation ETUC has called for the precautionary principle to be applied to nanotechnologies. It says “significant uncertainties” revolve around potential benefits of nanotechnologies and their harmful effects on human health and the environment.
ETUC resolution on nanotechnologies and nanomaterials • Risks 363
Hazards news, 5 July 2008

Britain: Top medical journal backs nano precaution
The Lancet Oncology, one of the world’s top cancer journals, has called for the precautionary principle to be used when dealing with nanotechnologies.
Leading Edge: Space elevators, tennis racquets, and mesothelioma, The Lancet Oncology, volume 9, number 7, page 601, July 2008. DOI:10.1016/S1470-2045(08)70157-8 • Risks 363
Hazards news, 5 July 2008

Global: ‘Asbestos warning’ on nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes might be as harmful as asbestos if inhaled, according to a study. A paper in the scientific journal Nature Nanotechnology reports that animal studies indicate that these long and very thin carbon molecules could cause mesothelioma, a cancer previously associated almost exclusively with asbestos exposure.
Craig A Poland and others. Carbon nanotubes introduced into the abdominal cavity of mice show asbestos-like pathogenicity in a pilot study. Nature Nanotechnology Online 20 May 2008. doi:10.1038/nnano.2008.111 [abstract] • The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies news release • Risks 357
Hazards news, 24 May 2008

Europe: Patchy progress on better Euro laws
Leading Socialist Euro MPs have celebrated European Parliament approval this week of a report calling for new measures to protect the health and safety of Europe's workers. They expressed shock, however, after Conservatives and Liberals blocked inclusion of clauses calling for action on crystalline silica, a cancer-causing substance to which over 3 million workers in the European Union (EU) are routinely exposed, and on nanotechnology risks.
European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2008 on the Community strategy 2007–2012 on health and safety at work (2007/2146(INI)) • Risks 339
Hazards news, 19 January 2008

Sweden: Warning on ‘large risks with tiny particles’
Firms developing nanotechnologies must take a precautionary approach to the sector to prevent environment and health risks, the Swedish chemicals inspectorate said in a report released on 31 October. “Companies should apply special precautions in the development and use of nanomaterials,” Kemi said, because of the “rapid development in this area and the great lack of knowledge about risks.”
Kemi news release and report [pdf] • Hazards nanotechnology news and resources
Hazards news, 10 November 2007

Australia: Unions call for strong nano rules
Australia’s top union body has added its voice to that of other campaigners concerned about the risks posed by the unregulated development of a massive nanotechnology industry. ACTU national safety officer Steve Mullins said: “By signing this declaration, the ACTU is sending the clear message that profit at the expense of workers lives will not be tolerated.”
ACTU news release [pdf] and briefing • ICTA Principles for Nanotechnologies [pdf] • Hazards nanotechnology news and resources
Hazards news, 29 September 2007

Global: Nanotech needs strong oversight says coalition
A strong, comprehensive oversight of nanotechnology and its products is urgently required, a broad international coalition of consumer, public health, environmental, trade union and civil society organisations spanning six continents has said. A new statement, ‘Principles for the oversight of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials’, warns that nanomaterials already in use may pose significant health, safety, and environmental hazards.
International Center for Technology Assessment news release.
Principles for the oversight of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials [pdf] • Hazards nanotechnology webpages
Hazards news, 4 August 2007

Global: Groups reject ‘voluntary’ nano checks
The environmental and occupational risks posed by exposure to nano products must not be subject to only voluntary controls, a broad-based coalition has warned. The national and international trade union and civil society groups last week issued a joint public statement condemning efforts by DuPont Chemical Company and the influential US Environmental Defense (ED, formerly Environmental Defense Fund) to promote a voluntary “risk assessment” framework for nanotechnology.
Risks 302, 21 April 2007 • IUF news release and full text of letter [pdf]

Britain: Government ‘failing’ on nano safety
The UK government has failed to fund adequate research into potential health risks posed by nanotechnology, a report by its leading scientific advisers has warned. The Council for Science and Technology’s (CST) ‘Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies Review’ bemoans a “lack of progress on research into toxicology, health and environmental effects of nanomaterials.”
Risks 300, 31 March 2007 • Hazards nanotechnology webpages • FoE Australia nanotechnology project

Global: Five-step check for nano safety
A team of experts has drawn up five “grand challenges” to evaluate the safety of nanotechnology. Writing in the journal Nature, the team says that fears about nanotechnology's possible dangers may be exaggerated, but not necessarily unfounded.
Risks 284, 25 November 2006

Britain: Will nano products come off the rails?
If you thought nanotechnology was space age, think again. It could be going down the Tube. Rail union ASLEF reports that Transport for London (TfL) is considering the use of nano-based anti-flu disinfectants on its trains, with reports they could be applied on an industrial scale in both mainline and tube trains and stations.
Risks 280, 28 October 2006

Britain: Design a nano-hazard symbol
They’ve all got one – everyone can recognise the nuclear hazard symbol and even the Cap’n Jack Sparrow generation are more likely to think “toxic” than “pirate” when they see a skull-and-crossbones. But there’s nothing out there to warn you when you are about to dip into a barrel of nano-nasties – so top nano-hazards campaigning organisation ETC Group has launched an international design challenge.
Risks 278, 14 October 2006 • Further details of the Nano-Hazards symbol design competition

Britain: TUC warning on take-it-or-leave it nanotech scheme
The TUC has said that a new voluntary scheme on reporting of nanotechnology related risks is not sufficiently robust a system. The TUC warning came after last week’s Defra launch of its Voluntary Reporting Scheme.
Risks 276, 30 September 2006

Britain: Nanotechnology probe announced
A nanotechnology policy review has been ordered by the government, two years after an officially commissioned report raised safety concerns. Ministers have asked the Council for Science and Technology (CST) to undertake an independent review of the government's response to a 2004 report which called for a precautionary approach and concluded the existing laws on safety and nanotechnology - products produced using microscopic engineering of substances - were not up to the job and must be reviewed, with additional requirements introduced on testing and labelling.
Risks 265, 15 July 2006

Britain: Toxic warnings for nano industry
Hundreds of nanotechnology products about to hit shop shelves have not been properly tested for their safety, a top workplace and environmental health expert has warned. Edinburgh-based Professor Anthony Seaton said concerns tiny particles from the products might cause respiratory, cardiac and immune problems had not been properly assessed.
Risks 256, 13 May 2006

Global: Workplace nanotech concerns grow
Workers are guinea pigs in a massive and potentially dangerous nanotech experiment, new reports from Germany and the US suggest.
Risks 252, 15 April 2006

USA: Call for nanotechnology safety controls
Amid growing evidence that some of the tiniest materials ever engineered pose potentially big health, safety and environmental risks, momentum is building in the US Congress, environmental circles and in the industry itself to beef up federal oversight of the new nanomaterials, which are already showing up in dozens of consumer products.
Risks 236, 10 December 2005

Australia: Unions say nano-loopholes may hurt workers
Unions are warning that thousands of Australian workers could be being exposed to potentially dangerous nanoparticles. They are calling for urgent regulation and say they could even press for nanoparticle production to stop.
Risks 223, 10 September 2005

Britain: Government orders another nanotech review
Demands for action on the potential health risks of nanotechnology have been met with another government review. Science minister Lord Sainsbury said this would ensure current regulations that safeguard the environment and people's health remained robust.
Risks 197, 5 March 2005

Resources

Health and Safety Executive nanotechnology webpages

FoE Australia nanotech website

Europe: Literature Review - Workplace exposure to nanoparticles, European Risk Observatory, June 2009. Full report [pdf]

HSE report highlights nanotech problems HSE-backed research has shown that TUC concerns about nanoparticle safety are clearly justified. [23 October 2004]

National Resources Defense Council Nanotechnologies: Tiny particles promise much, but could pose big risk.

ETC group - action group on erosion, technology and concentration.

International Center for Technology Assessment

First International Symposium on Nanotechnology and Occupational Health Final Report, available online 1 July 2005.

US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health nanotechnology and health topic page.

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition nanotech webpage

Nanotechnology and nanoscience. Royal Society and Royal College of Engineering website.

Cordis nanotechnology website, European Commission.

Nanoforum.org European Nanotechnology Gateway.