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

Britain: Safety warning on nano use in construction
Self-cleaning windows, very high strength concrete and thin, lightweight, super-efficient insulation are among the new construction materials using nanotechnology, and could carry significant risks, new research has suggested. Estimates suggest that by 2025 up to half of new building materials might contain nanomaterials.
IOSH news release and nanotech reports. Construction Enquirer. Risks 832.
Hazards news, 13 January 2018

Britain: Scientists warn of nanotube ‘asbestos’ cancer parallel
There is strong evidence that certain carbon nanotubes used in manufacturing could pose the same cancer risk as asbestos, a study by the Medical Research Council (MRC) has concluded. “Unlike previously reported short-term studies, this is the first time the mesothelioma-causing effects of long and thin carbon nanotubes have been monitored in mice over many months,” said the study’s senior author, Professor Marion MacFarlane.
MRC news release. Tatyana Chernova and others. Long-Fiber Carbon Nanotubes Replicate Asbestos-Induced Mesothelioma with Disruption of the Tumor Suppressor Gene Cdkn2a (Ink4a/Arf), Current Biology, Volume 27, Issue 21, p3302–3314.e6, 6 November 2017. Risks 825
Hazards news, 11 November 2017

Global: Heart risk warning as inhaled nanoparticles found in blood
Researchers have issued a workplace health warning after a study showed gold nanoparticles can cross from the lungs into the blood, where they accumulate in fatty plaques inside arteries. The study of the effects of these tiny particles on human subjects by UK and Dutch researchers provides further evidence of a link between nanoparticles and cardiovascular disease, the authors warn, and has ‘major implications’ for risk management of engineered nanoparticles in the workplace and wider environment.
Full ACS Nano paper. Chemical Watch. Evening Standard. Risks 800.
Hazards news, 20 May 2017

Europe: Anger at EC inaction on nanomaterials
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) says the decision by the European Commission to set up an EU Observatory for nanomaterials, instead of a Register, fails to protect workers from health risks and does not contribute in any way to the traceability of nanomaterials, and the transparency and accountability of industry. “Workers have a right to know what they are handling and being exposed to,” said Esther Lynch, ETUC confederal secretary.
ETUC news release. Risks 748.
Hazards news, 30 April 2016.

Global: Good ventilation needed for desktop 3D printers
A new study shows that desktop 3D printers release produce airborne nanoparticles that should be controlled to avoid hazardous exposures. A study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) and the University of Helsinki had confirmed nanoparticles are emitted into the air when printers are used.
FIOH news release. Risks 747.
Hazards news, 23 April 2016

Global: Nano sickness prompts precaution calls
A report of rapid onset serious nickel allergy in a nano-nickel exposed chemist has prompted calls from both a union body and an official workplace safety agency for a precautionary approach to nanomaterials.  Global food and farming union federation IUF said: “The need for a moratorium on the commercialisation of nano products and processes is more urgent than ever” and US government’s occupational health research agency NIOSH called for “precautionary and protective measures”.
IUF news report • NIOSH science blog • Journeay and Goldman, Occupational handling of nickel nanoparticles: A Case Report, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, published online ahead of print, 8 May 2014
Hazards news, 7 June 2014

USA: Nanomaterial causes workplace illness
A US worker is reported to have developed an acute allergy as a result of exposure to nanomaterial containing nickel, a known sentitiser. The 26-year-old chemist was unaware that she was working with nickel nanoparticle powder at work and no arrangements were made to protect her from exposure.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine abstract • Risks 656
Hazards news, 31 May 2014

Global: Concerns over ‘miracle material’ graphene
Graphene has been hailed as the latest miracle material set to revolutionise many industries, but it might have more dangerous side effects, experts have warned. “The situation today is similar to where we were with chemicals and pharmaceuticals 30 years ago,” said study co-author Jacob D Lanphere.
US Riverside news release • The Independent • Brown University news release.
Jacob D Lanphere and others. Stability and Transport of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles in Groundwater and Surface Water, Environmental Engineering Science, published online ahead of print 17 March 2014. doi:10.1089/ees.2013.0392 • Risks 653
Hazards news, 10 May 2014

Global: Nanotechnology use is booming below the radar
As concerns have been raised about nanomaterials, companies investing in the industry have toned down announcements of their research and the introduction to the market of new products. But they are still coming, and the rate of their introduction is accelerating.
IUF news report • Risks 653
Hazards news, 10 May 2014

USA:  New safety guidance on nano work
The US government’s workplace safety research arm has issued new recommendations on controlling worker exposures to engineered nanomaterials during their manufacture and industrial use. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations are based on technologies now applied in the industries using nanomaterials, and on control methods it says have been shown to be effective in reducing occupational exposures in other industries.
NIOSH news release and nanotech webpages • Current Strategies for Engineering Controls in Nanomaterial Production and Downstream Handling Processes, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2014-102, November 2013 • Risks 631
Hazards news, 16 November 2013

Europe: Worker protection is lost in nano-space
Effective measures to address health risks to workers are missing from Europe’s latest nanotechnology blueprint, trade unions have warned. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said the latest regulatory and job creation reviews on nanomaterials published by the European Commission pay insufficient attention to the protection of workers and adds “modifications” to the Europe-wide chemicals registration law REACH “are urgently needed to ensure the potential high risks of nanomaterials are properly controlled.”
ETUC news report • Risks 582
Hazards news, 17 November 2012

Europe: Nanomaterials review won’t protect workers
Workers will remain at risk from nanomaterials under measures set out by the European Commission this month, a European trade union group has warned. ETUI, which is part of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and has a dedicated health and safety unit, was commenting after the publication on 3 October of the Second Regulatory Review on Nanomaterials. not sufficiently informed.”
European Commission news release and Second Regulatory Review on Nanomaterials • ETUI news report and 2010 working paper, The EU Approach to regulating Nanotechnologies • Risks 577
Hazards news, 13 October 2012

Global: Nanotech dangers outlined
It has been known for some time that inhaling tiny fibres made by the nanotechnology industry could cause similar health problems to asbestos. This is borne out by new research by the University of Edinburgh published in Toxicology Sciences. Research on mice, suggests the longer nanofibres are even more dangerous. Some of these fibres are similar in shape to asbestos fibres, which cause lung cancers such as mesothelioma. Ken Donaldson, Professor of Respiratory Toxicology at the University of Edinburgh, said: "Concern has been expressed that new kinds of nanofibres being made by nanotechnology industries might pose a risk because they have a similar shape to asbestos.”
The threshold length for fibre-induced acute pleural inflammation: shedding light on the early events in asbestos-induced mesothelioma, Schinwald et al. Published online: May 12, 2012 Toxicological Science TUC nanotechnology guidance • Hazards nanotech webpages • Risks 570
Hazards news, 25 August 2012

Global: Nano firms are putting workers at big risk
Many major companies working with nano particles are doing little or nothing to protect their staff - and some are using “safety” measures that are making matters worse, new research suggests. Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) surveyed 78 international companies working with nanoparticles and found many are unsure about the right way to protect those handling the materials, or how to dispose of them.
New Haven Independent • Risks 523
Hazards news, 17 September 2011

USA: Lack of nano regulation ‘a danger’
Health is being put at risk by the growing list of products on the market containing nano materials, a new report from the US-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) has warned. It says more than 1,300 products now claim to incorporate engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), but none of these products have undergone a pre-market safety assessment.
IATP news release • Risks 513
Hazards news, 9 July 2011

Britain: Warning on carbon nanotubes dangers
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) may cause serious diseases, but lack of adequate information means safety datasheets are likely to be of little or no use, a new publication from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests. Its guide notes: “In view of the evidence for lung damage and lack of information on the effects of long-term repeated exposure a high level of control is warranted for CNTs.”
Green jobs, safe jobs blog • Risk management of carbon nanotubes [pdf] • HSE nanotechnology webpages • Risks 493
Hazards news, 12 February 2011

Britain: New HSE nanotechnology webpages
A new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) nanotechnology webpage provides advice on the nature and use of nanotechnology and highlights on the “benefits of nanotechnology.” Potential health concerns are relegated down the webpage, but at least warn: “Where nanomaterials have an uncertain or not clearly defined toxicology and unless, or until, sound evidence is available on the hazards from inhalation, ingestion, or absorption a precautionary approach should be taken to the risk management.”
HSE nanotechnology webpages and guidance on the precautionary principle • Risks 492
Hazards news, 5 February 2011

Australia: Unions want nano labels
Workers could be exposed to hazardous nano products at work, but never know it, unions in Australia have warned. Unions Tasmania secretary Simon Cocker told a nanotechnology seminar: “It is imperative that, thirty years from now, we do not experience another asbestos-like tragedy and bear the shame of a generation looking back at our inaction on this issue and asking the question: ‘Why didn’t they do something?’.”
Unions Tasmania news release [pdf] • Tasmanian Times • CosmeticsDesign.com • Risks 430
Hazards news, 31 October 2009

Global: Deaths raise concerns over nano safety
Seven cases of occupational disease, two of them fatal, have been linked to nanomaterial exposures at work. A study published last week in the European Respiratory Journal reports the seven women employees at a Chinese factory suffered shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs and around the heart, non-specific inflammation of lung tissue, and fibrosis in the lungs.
Y Song, X Li, X Du. Exposure to nanoparticles is related to pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma, European Respiratory Journal, published online 20 August 2009 [abstract] • IOM news release • 2020 Science blog • SAFENANO commentary • The Pump Handle • Jennifer Sass’ NRDC blog • Nature • Risks 421 
Hazards news, 29 August 2009

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.