Today, the German Federal
Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) issued an update on efforts to
understand why "Magic Nano" -- a household glass and ceramic tile sealant
in an aerosol can -- may have caused respiratory problems when used in
confined spaces. This is the first health-related recall of an alleged
nanotechnology consumer product. BfR's press release is available at
http://www.bfr.bund.de/cms5w/sixcms/detail.php/7750.
"Magic Nano" was first sold in supermarkets and discount stores in late
March. It was recalled by the manufacturer, Kleinmann GmbH (a subsidiary of
Illinois Tool Works) after BfR issued a product warning on March 31.
Between March 27 and March 30, 97 people who reportedly used the aerosol
spray claimed to suffer from health problems ranging from trouble breathing
to six cases requiring hospital treatment in which water accumulated in the
lungs (pulmonary edema).
Despite meetings between BfR and the manufacturer, clear information on
what is in the product and how "Magic Nano" was tested for safety is still
lacking. According to BfR, it is possible that the reported health effects
were associated with very fine airborne droplets produced by the aerosol
product.
Dr. Andrew Maynard, science advisor to the Project on Emerging
Nanotechnologies, is an internationally recognized expert on airborne
particles. According to Maynard, aerosol sprays can produce respirable
particles a few micrometers in size that can remain airborne for long
periods of time and can reach the sensitive deep lung if inhaled. Once
deposited, there is the possibility of chemicals or nanoparticles (if
present) in the droplets causing damage.
Last month, the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies issued the first
publicly available, online inventory of over 200 consumer products that
manufacturers claim to be made with nanomaterials or use nanotechnology
(see: http://www.nanotechproject.org/consumerproducts). Ten products in the
Project's inventory are described as "sprays" but most are pump action
sprays. "Magic Nano" is the only known, maker-identified nanotechnology
product available to consumers in the form of an aerosol can. "Pump action
sprays typically form droplets that are much larger than those from aerosol
cans," said Maynard. "These are less likely to reach the sensitive deep
lung when inhaled."
Irrespective of whether the "nano" here is the root of the health
problem, a contributing factor, or a false lead, Maynard sees this incident
as a wake- up call. "Other companies using or hoping to use nanotechnology
should take note: Without greater transparency on what nanomaterials are
being used, how their safety is being evaluated, and appropriate research
into nanotechnology's potential human health and environmental impacts, it
is difficult for consumers and policymakers to separate the responsible
companies from the less responsible ones, and the safe nanoproducts from
the potentially harmful ones."
Nanotechnology is the ability to measure, see, manipulate and
manufacture things usually between 1 and 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one
billionth of a meter; a human hair is roughly 100,000 nanometers wide.
To reach Dr. Andrew Maynard for an interview, contact Sharon McCarter,
Director of Outreach and Communications, at
sharon.mccarter@wilsoncenter.org or (202) 691-4016.
The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies was launched in 2005 by the
Wilson Center and The Pew Charitable Trusts. It is dedicated to helping
business, governments and the public anticipate and manage the possible
health and environmental implications of nanotechnology.
