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
- 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