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.
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- International summer school ESONN’2024
- From August 25 to September 7, 2024
- Organizers: University of Grenoble Alps & Grenoble-INP-UGA, CNRS & CEA
- Website: www.esonn.fr
- 8th edition of the International Conference on Functional Nanomaterials and Nanodevices 2024 (NANOMAT2024)
- From August 25 to August 28, 2024
- Organiser : European Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Association (ENNA)
- Website: www.nanomat-conference.com
- 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