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
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Other news on the topic
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- 8th Congress of Occupational Medicine and Health (CNMST 2026)
- Theme 5: Emerging pathologies and risks, Mr Henri Bastos (ANSES), Pr Lynda Bensefa-Colas (AP-HP), Dr Catherine Nisse (CHU Lille)
- Website: www.medecine-sante-travail.com
- 20th meeting of the “nano and health” dialogue committee
- Organizer: ANSES
- Training intended for occupational physicians, occupational risk prevention specialists (IPRP), company prevention specialists, prevention department staff from Carsat, Cramif and CGSS, institutional prevention specialists (Dreets, Dreal, MSA…).
- Organizer: French National institute of research and security (INRS)
- October 5 to 9, 2026
- Website: www.inrs.fr/…/formation/…JA1030_2026
This sheet was originally created in February 2019