Nanos and Health
Nanos and health
In many fields (cosmetics, food, textiles, construction, medicine, etc.), manufactured nanomaterials are increasingly used for their specific properties (anti-bacterial properties, modification of appearance, color, texture, etc.). However, these same “desirable” properties can lead to undesirable effects on health, where many uncertainties and concerns remain: due to their increased reactivity, nanomaterials are indeed likely to cause toxicity and potentially stronger inflammatory effects than “conventional” materials of the same chemical nature.
The studies carried out so far are mainly in vitro while the in vivo studies are mainly in animals with toxic effects on the heart, liver, spleen, stomach and kidneys.
The results are not all necessarily applicable to humans but still provide valuable information on the potential adverse health effects.
According to a scientific paper published in 2021, the nanoparticles with the greatest risk to human health are nano-TiO2 (titanium dioxide), silver nanoparticles, silicon dioxide (silica) and carbon nanotubes.
The information sheets on the topic
Any questions or comments? This information sheet compiled by AVICENN is intended to be completed and updated. Please feel free to contribute.
Other news on the topic
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- 6th interdisciplinary nanoscience congress, dedicated to all academic and industrial scientists in nanoscience and nanotechnology, including researchers, engineers, PhD students, post-docs, etc.
- March 18 to 21, 2025
- Organizers: Centre national de Compétences en Nanosciences du CNRS, C’Nano
- Website: https://cnano2025.sciencesconf.org
- Advanced Characterization Techniques in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
- 10th European Congress on Advanced Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials
- 14 and 15 April 2025
- Website: https://nanomaterialsconference.com
- 5th Joint Symposium on Nanotechnology
- Organizers: the Fraunhofer Nanotechnology Network, with the support of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
- Date: May 13-14, 2025
- Topics:
- the application of nanotechnology in various sectors, including digitalization, 2D/3D printing, carbon-based materials and battery materials
- nano on various regulations (REACh, food contact materials, cosmetics, bioagents, PPPs)
- adaptation and development of OECD Test Guidelines for nano and advanced materials (Malta Initiative)
- review on nano-specific NAMs (new approach methodologies)
- when you’re nano and you know it: dealing with uncertainty regarding the nanomaterial definition in regulatory frameworks
- …
- Website: www.isc.fraunhofer.de/…2025/5th-symposium-nanotechnology.html
This sheet was originally created in February 2019