Tiny nanoparticles could be a big problem - eg, in vitamins & food

[Guest guest]

Tiny nanoparticles could be a big problem.

<http://www.straight.com/article-404589/vancouver/tiny-nanoparticles-could-be-bi\

g-problem>

Nanotechnology was supposed to revolutionize the world, making us

healthier and producing cleaner energy. But it's starting to look more

like a nightmare.

Nanomaterials---tiny particles as little as 1/100,000 the width of a

human hair---have quietly been used since the 1990s in hundreds of

everyday products, everything from food to baby bottles, pills, beer

cans, computer keyboards, skin creams, shampoo, and clothes.

But after years of virtually unregulated use, scientists are now

starting to say the most commonly used nanoproducts could be harming our

health and the environment.

One of the most widespread nanoproducts is titanium dioxide. More than

5,000 tonnes of it are produced worldwide each year for use in food,

toothpaste, cosmetics, paint, and paper (as a colouring agent), in

medication and vitamin capsules (as a nonmedicinal filler), and in most

sunscreens (for its anti-UV properties).

In food, titanium-dioxide nanoparticles are used as a whitener and

brightener in confectionary products, cheeses, and sauces. Other

nanoparticles are employed in flavourings and " nutritional " additives,

and to reduce fat content in " health " foods....

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