Nanoparticle effects as in asbestos?

Nanoparticles: effects as in asbestos?

27/02/2011

Nanoparticles are widely used in modern industry and food processing. Researchers have long warned against the widespread use of nanoparticles. The professor of medicine Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Kraus of the University Hospital Aachen sees a potential risk for workers. Scientists had recently found evidence that indicates an asbestos-like effect.

Nanocoatings and nanoparticles can be found in numerous foods, work materials and cosmetics. For example, in the commercially available cappuccino powder, the particles produce a frothy milk without the consumer having to lather the milk. In conventional sun creams, the particles titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used for improved UV protection. Even in medicines, nanotechnology is now used. For example, the nanoparticles transport the active ingredients to the right place in the body.

Health risks for workers
Physicians have now found inidici that point to a potential risk to workers when working with nano-coatings in their daily work. The particles could develop an asbestos-like mode of action as the Aachen medical researcher Thomas Kraus told the news magazine „Focus“ confirmed. For consumers, on the other hand, „who may be wearing nano-coated socks or smearing nano-particle sunscreen, I think the assumption of danger is highly speculative“, so Kraus opposite the magazine. However, there is evidence that so-called carbon nanotubes in mammals cause diseases similar to those caused by asbestos fibers. The most common asbestos disease is lung cancer.

Studies confirm health hazards
In August 2009, Chinese researchers presented a study according to which nanoparticles in dyes can cause severe lung diseases. A Japanese study pointed out that nanoparticles can negatively affect fetal brain development. Nevertheless, the manufacturers only have to declare their products with reference to nanoparticles from 2013 onwards. Environmentalists and consumer advocates have been calling for immediate labeling for years.

Professor Kraus is a member of the German Society for Occupational and Environmental Medicine. At this year's annual conference in Heidelberg, experts want to discuss the new findings in the field of nanotechnology. Because the findings of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, after a cancer risk, are very „to take seriously“, as a member of the panel of experts emphasized. (Sb)

Read on this topic:
Laser Printer: Alarming Results?
Nanoparticles in the sunscreen
Homeopathy: Researchers detect nanoparticles

Image: TU Braunschweig, Institute of Electrical Measurement Technology and Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering.