Question
Nanotechnology is progressively being used in refining everyday products in the contemporary world. Do these products remain safe once nanoparticles are incorporated in them? What is the FDA doing in this regard?
Response
Nanomaterials hold promise for numerous and varied applications. Their miniature size gives them their distinct properties which is intrinsic to their appeal and hence scientists are at odds as they try to find out plausible side effects that come with using such nanotechnology in consumer products (Gwyneth, 2012). Their application in consumer products raises a similar conundrum as major technological progress in the past due to the enormous benefits that they bring and also their inherent risks (Yang & Westerhoff, 2014). Nanotech based products range from health related products to food ingredients, food substances and packaging materials. Consequentially, as the use of nano based products surges, their safety concern raises. According to Vance et al., (2015), the subtle changes in the particle sizes with regard to nano products may alter the properties of a material including their toxic levels.
Furthermore, the miniature size of nanoengineered products can also expedite their uptake into cell components which allows for their movement into delicate target sites in the body like the brain. Furthermore, as Yang & Westerhoff, (2014) documents, the nano particles’ solubility, shape, surface chemistry and their sheer size may lead to inflammations and tissue damages.
Albeit the FDA has hitherto approved products that incorporate nanotechnology, the current stream of nanotech products is but an antecedent to the numerous products in the offing which are anticipated to enter the market in future years. However, the FDA does not regard these properties in depth when evaluating the health consequences and hazards of nanoparticles for regulation purposes. Additionally, the paucity of information regarding the safety of nano based products makes it hard to establish their safety. Throughout the FDA’s nanotechnology regulatory program, the safety of nano products is assessed since the FDA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of products (FDA, 2011). Conclusively, the safety of nanoengineered products is hitherto a concern. Although documented adverse effects on their use is nonexistent, caution and proper regulation by the FDA is needed.
References
FDA, Draft guidance for Industry, Considering Whether an FDA-Regulated Product Involves the Application of Nanotechnology (June 2011), available at http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm257698.htm
Gwyneth K. S. Congress To FDA: Study Nano Safety (Jun 2012), available at http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/congress_to_fda_study_ nano_safety/id_48449
Vance, M. E., Kuiken, T., Vejerano, E. P., McGinnis, S. P., Hochella Jr, M. F., Rejeski, D., & Hull, M. S. 2015). Nanotechnology in the real world: Redeveloping the nanomaterial consumer products inventory. Beilstein journal of nanotechnology, 6(1), 1769-1780.
Yang, Y., & Westerhoff, P. (2014). Presence in, and release of, nanomaterials from consumer products. In Nanomaterial (pp. 1-17). Springer Netherlands.
