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.
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- Second Harmonisation & Standardisation of Test Methods for Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials Workshop (Webinar)
- Organizers: Horizon Europe projects iCare, MACRAMÉ and nanoPASS, in collaboration with the Malta Initiative
- Dates: Nov 18 & 19, 2024
- Website: https://macrame-project.eu/macrame-meetings-workshops/#HS-Workshop2
- This module is part of the training program “Interactions between toxic chemicals and the human organism”, open to anyone with a basic scientific education (bachelor’s degree or professional experience).
- Organizer: Association Toxicologie Chimie(ATC)
- Speaker : Chantal Fresnay, Hygienist Engineer, Thales, Palaiseau
- Website: www.atctoxicologie.fr
- Awareness-raising aimed at personnel in contact with nanomaterials during research, formulation, production, maintenance, cleaning, upkeep, etc., as well as safety coordinators or engineers, facility managers, heads of laboratories where nanoparticles are handled.
- Organizers: INSTN Grenoble (CEA)
- On the agenda: potential impact on health; metrology and protection; control of potential risks associated with nanomaterials; consideration of societal aspects.
- Website: https://instn.cea.fr/formation/maitrise-des-risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux-sensibilisation
This sheet was originally created in February 2019