IKEA stops marketing its “air purifying” curtains containing nanoparticles of titanium dioxide

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Our members and most loyal readers will recall that in March 2019, AVICENN began conducting tests on the IKEA “air purifying” curtains. The Swedish company did not give any indication of their composition, but AVICENN had suspected the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂) known for the photocatalytic properties touted in the advertising of this product, even before it was put on the market in 2020.

Since then, our questions to IKEA had gone unanswered; only the Swiss supplier, HeiQ had taken the time to assure us that the “mineral” applied to the curtains was “micro” and not nano (without further clarification on its nature: TiO₂ or other?).

AVICENN wanted to know for sure and had the curtains tested: a large number of TiO₂ nanoparticles were found on the surface (100% below the 100 nanometer mark). AVICENN then initiated other tests to know the depolluting efficiency of the curtains.

When in May, we wanted to order another pair for further testing, we discovered that the curtains were no longer available. This time, IKEA replied to our email: yes, the curtains were indeed withdrawn from sale, because they did not purify the air as expected. AVICENN asked the company whether it would communicate publicly about the withdrawal and/or warn consumers who had already purchased them. As a reminder, these curtains were featured on the cover of their latest 2020/2021 paper catalog and TiO₂ was classified as a suspected category 2 human inhalation carcinogen in 2019.

Upcoming Nano Agenda

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Juil.
2025
Controlling the risks associated with nanomaterials (CEA, Online)
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2025
23rd International conference on Advanced Nanomaterials (ANM, University of Aveiro – Portugal)
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Août
2025
Controlling the risks associated with nanomaterials (CEA, Online)
On line
Training
  • E-learning program: awareness-raising for personnel who come into 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 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…