Micro materials could pose major health risks

19th July 2008 TUC Risks reported that potential dangers were posed by the rapidly expanding number of products containing nanomaterials.

The warning comes from the Council of Canadian Academies in one of the most authoritative reports to date about the risks of engineered nanomaterials.

These materials are added to a wide range of products ranging from sunscreens to diesel fuels. The Council cautions that the tiny substances might be able to penetrate cells and interfere with biological processes.

The Council, which was asked by Health Canada and several other federal agencies to study the state of knowledge about nanomaterials and the regulatory changes needed to oversee their use, concluded that "there is inadequate data to inform quantitative risk assessments on current and emerging nanomaterials." Their small size, the report says, may allow them "to usurp traditional biological protective mechanisms" and, as a result, possibly have "enhanced toxicological effects."

Editor's Note: It is worthy of note that Canadian attitudes towards nanomaterials is markedly different from many official attitudes towards chrysotile asbestos. As a major producer and exporter of chrysotile Canada has consistently played down the risks posed by the material.