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Nanotechnology research is an important branch of study involving tiny microscopic atoms and molecules that are just one-billionth of a meter in size. By 2015, this emerging industry is expected to reach $1 trillion. These new molecules promise to make more effective cancer screenings and drugs, self-cleaning surfaces for shoes and countertops, enamel-protecting toothpaste, and stronger, more stain-resistant clothing. However, there are growing concerns that nano science does not have enough oversight regarding potentially toxic effects from long-term exposure.

One study conducted by the Tokyo University of Science in Japan discovered that maternal exposure to the nanoparticle “titanium dioxide” affects the expression of hundreds of genes related to the central nervous system in fetal mice. “Nanotechnology and the production of novel man-made nano-particles are increasing worldwide. Titanium dioxide in its nanoparticle form has a high level of photocatalytic activity, and can be used for air and water purification and self-cleaning surfaces. Our findings, however, add to the current concern that this specific nanomaterial may have the potential to affect human health,” reports study leader Ken Takeda. He adds that, compared to control mice, the changes discovered within the genes “include those we normally consider to develop in childhood, such as autistic disorder, epilepsy and learning disorders, and also others that arise mainly in adulthood or old age, such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.” Current nanotechnology research regarding TiO2 is being examined for self-cleaning surfaces, coatings, sun-blocks and paints.

So what does the Food and Drug Administration say about nanotechnology applications? “In light of this fast-rising commercialization, the FDA needs to make certain that it has the tools, resources and information necessary to ensure the safety of novel products before they enter the market, and to detect and move swiftly to correct any problems that may arise,” says David Rejeski, director of nanotechnology research for the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN). “Given the agency’s insufficient resources, which for two decades have not kept pace with inflation, making sure that the FDA has the capacity to safely manage nanotechnology must be the shared responsibility of Congress and our political leaders. The agency must be ‘nano-ready’ for the products on the market today and able to deal with the more advanced nanotechnology applications expected in the next 5-10 years.”

Nano-materials are being engineered to have special qualities and functions that can be used in a variety of products, from sunscreens and clothing to medicines and supplements. However, because these particles are so small, they may pose rare toxicity risks. For instance, some nanotechnology research revealed that nano-materials can migrate to the lungs, penetrate the immune system, or sneak inside a cell’s nucleus, which could possibly interfere with bodily processes. In March 2009, Lloyd’s of London analyst Darragh Gray compared the financial meltdown to the nanotechnology risks, writing: “When you think that part of the reason behind the turmoil in our financial markets was the blithe acceptance of complex products that many didn’t understand, the importance of getting to grips with and quantifying complex sources of risk has never been more obvious.”

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