Health Risks & Nano Technology
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Nanotechnology involves manipulating material at the molecular level. The scales involved are billionths of a metre, and with change smade at this level substances can behave in unpredictable ways and take on new properties.
However the Soil Association says there has been insufficient study on the impact of nanotechnology on the environment and human health. It points out in a statement: "Of the $9bn (£4.57bn) per year being invested globally in nanotechnology, much is going to the development of cosmetics and health products."
The Soil Association has now become the first organisation in the world to ban man-made nanomaterials from its certified organic products, claiming the new technology poses a serious threat to human health.
Cosmetics, food and clothing made with superfine particles called nanoparticles will be banned from carrying the pro-organic group’s logo.
Many well-known companies such as L’Oréal, Unilever, Boots and Lancôme are already developing and introducing these superfine particles into their products and none of these products are required to have labelling to warn consumers.
Three years ago, scientists advised the government that the release of nanoparticles should be "avoided as far as possible". Though the government acknowledged the risks, no action has been taken to impose controls.
The association went on to say: "Following the precautionary approach, in line with organic principles, the Soil Association has banned manufactured nanoparticles as ingredients under our organic standards. We are the first organisation in the world to take regulatory action against the use of nanoparticles to safeguard the public. This initiative goes to the core of the organic movement’s values of protecting human health."
Gundula Azeez, Soil Association policy manager, made several points:
1. The Soil Association is the first organisation in the world to ban nanoparticles. We think there should be no place for nanoparticles in health and beauty products or food. We are deeply concerned at the government’s failure to follow scientific advice and regulate products.
2. There should be an immediate freeze on the commercial release of nanomaterials until there is a sound body of scientific research into all the health impacts.
3. As we saw with GM, the government is ignoring the initial indications of risk and giving the benefit of the doubt to commercial interest rather than the protection of human health."
Professor Vyvyan Howard a nanotechnology researcher at the University of Ulster made the following points:
1. The term nanotechnology covers a vast range of applications. Many are not threatening at all, such as nano-structured surfaces for self-cleaning glass.
2. However in the areas of health and beauty and food, more research must be done. There is considerable evidence that nanoparticles are toxic and potentially hazardous.
The UK consumers’ organisation, Which? has launched a new campaign to highlight the lack of understanding of nanotechnology and the failure of the government to take a lead.
Which? chief policy officer Sue Davies pointed out:
1. This announcement from the Soil Association reinforces the uncertainties around the health and environmental risks posed by some nanomaterials.
2. Numerous organisations including the most eminent scientific bodies have called for action to address the uncertainties and regulatory gaps, but the government is failing to act.
3. It needs to urgently take control of this issue and ensure that consumers can take advantage of the potential benefits nanotechnologies can offer without being put at unnecessary risk.
