Tag: nanotechnology
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“Nanoceuticals: Tiny Size, Big Potential,” nanovip.com, December 1, 2009
Noting the absence of significant regulatory oversight, this article discusses the use of nanotechnology in foods, food packaging and food supplements. While the Food and Drug Administration has decided not to regulate products according to the technology used, it will apparently issue a guidance document on nanotechnology in 2010. The article cautions that “companies need…
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Australian Agency Seeks Comment on Proposal to Regulate Industrial Nanomaterials; Scientific Studies Continue to Generate Debate over Potential Health Effects
The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme of Australia’s Department of Health and Ageing has released for public comment a plan to (i) eliminate a regulatory review exemption for the production of small quantities of new nanoscale materials; and (ii) establish a voluntary reporting system for manufacturers producing nanoscale chemicals. Comments must be provided…
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EPA, EU Launch Research Strategies for Nanotechnology
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union (EU) have announced separate plans to study nanotechnology, a field believed to have huge potential in food processing and packaging. EPA’s strategy involves studying over the next several years how manufactured nanomaterials may harm human health and the environment. “EPA’s role among federal agencies is to…
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Chinese Researchers Find Nanoparticles in Human Lung Tissue
Chinese researchers studying seven women purportedly exposed to nanoparticles in the workplace for 5-13 months sought to determine if their shortness of breath and pleural effusions could be linked to their exposure. Y. Song, et al., “Exposure to nanoparticles is related to pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma,” European Respiratory Journal, August 20, 2009. According to…
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Researchers Consider Use of Nanoparticles to Color Water-Based Foods
According to Louisiana and Arkansas university researchers, entrapping betacarotene with nanoparticles could provide a way to use “natural” ingredients as food colorants. Carlos Astete, et al., “Ca2+ Cross-Linked Alginic Acid Nanoparticles for Solubilization of Lipophilic Natural Colorants,” Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, August 3, 2009. The research was undertaken in response to consumer concerns about…
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ANSI Nanotechnology Standards Panel to Meet in Chicago
The Nanotechnology Standards Panel of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will meet September 9, 2009, in Chicago. The meeting will be held during the Nanobusiness Alliance Conference. The panel has been working to develop nanotechnology-related standards involving nomenclature/terminology; materials properties; and testing, measurement and characterization procedures. ANSI’s efforts are in support of international nanotechnology…
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Environmentally Focused Investment Managers Publish Nano Risk Report
The Investor Environmental Health Network has issued a report urging federal regulators to change shareholder reporting requirements to close loopholes that are allowing corporations to use nanotechnologies without disclosing their potential long-term risks to investors. Titled “Bridging the Credibility Gap, Eight Corporate Liability Accounting Loopholes That Regulators Must Close,” the report explores two case studies, asbestos…
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Groups to Focus on Food Safety Implications of Nanotechnology
The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a joint expert meeting titled Application of Nanotechnologies in the Food and Agriculture Sectors: Potential Food Safety Implications, to be held June 1-5, 2009, in Rome, Italy. The gathering will reportedly address the potential food safety risks that may arise from…