The Guardian looks at the problem of uncontrolled use of nanos
In an article entitled “Forget microplastics: we may have a much smaller problem“, Nick Voulvoulis, professor of environmental technology at Imperial College London, is concerned about the uncontrolled use of nanotechnology in consumer products: “If nanos are used properly in applications that are useful or beneficial, that’s justified, but if they are just used anywhere and everywhere because they have certain properties, that’s crazy.”
AVICENN is also quoted several times, notably to emphasize the need to “ensure that nanos are only allowed for specific and essential uses in order to minimize any adverse effects at the source and [ensure they are] not released uncontrollably”.
One year after the withdrawal by IKEA of its (non) “air purifying” curtains, The Guardian also mentions our investigation which had established the presence of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide on the surface of the fibers as well as the lack of depolluting efficiency of the curtains.
Other news on the topic
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- International conference on metallic nano-objects for experts working in the interdisciplinary field of metallic nanoparticles, with a particular emphasis on nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, plasmonics, optics and photonics, catalysis, biomedicine, electronics, and nanoparticle recycling
- Organizers / Partners: CNRS, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux INP, ICMCB, CRPP, CBMN, ISM
- Website: https://mno2026.sciencesconf.org
- Toxicokinetics: the fate of chemicals in the body” training course:
- the different routes of entry for toxic products
- the importance of toxicokinetics in preventing substance toxicity,
- xenobiotic absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
- nanoparticle toxicity
- Organizer: Association Toxicologie Chimie (ATC)
- Date: March 26, 2026
- Speaker: Nicole Proust (Research Engineer, CNRS Honorary Research Director, Palaiseau)
- Website: www.atctoxicologie.fr/…
- E-learning program: a 2-hour awareness-raising session aimed at personnel potentially exposed to nanomaterials at the workplace, heads of laboratories or facilities where nanomaterials are handled, safety coordinators or engineers.
- Organizers: INSTN Grenoble (CEA)
- On the program:
- 1 – Introduction, definition and characteristics of nanomaterials
- 2 – Toxicity of nanomaterials: the state of knowledge
- 3 – Metrology and characterization of nanomaterials
- 4 – Prevention and protection against nanomaterials in the workplace
- 5 – Quiz: assessment of learning outcomes
- The 2-hour course can be viewed for one month from the date of registration.
- Website: https://instn.cea.fr/…risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux…