Controversial technology experts call for further research – ABC Online

Do the previous laboratory findings now that nanoparticles are harmful to human health? “The dosages in such experiments are extremely high and go far beyond the quantities to which a person is exposed to in everyday life,” Alexiou argues that held a professorship of the Else-Kröner-Fresenius-Foundation for Nanomedicine at the University Hospital Erlangen. Therefore, such tests could testify very little about actual risks. With an appropriate dose everything was almost poisonous. “If you eat enough of it, you can kill someone with aspirin or other, seemingly harmless drugs,” says the doctor.

However, Alexiou advocates to examine the potential risks of nanoparticles on. “There is still much to do, for example, there are no comprehensive testing process,” explained the professor, who developed nano-drugs and his team explored in this context, in a moment by the Bavarian State Ministry For the Environment and Consumer Protection Project, as toxic substances used are. Much, he adds, is simply not yet sufficiently understood.

nano-foods must be marked from the end of 2014

, agrees Beatrice Pippia by BUND. It points out in particular the responsibility of the manufacturer. “The industry would be better once thoroughly researching the subject of security before she always brings new nano-products to market without knowing the risks,” she says. Consumers advises Pippia, for the time being to abandon articles with nano-materials. Especially as the tiny particles could damage the environment. From nano-titanium dioxide and nano-zinc oxide, for example, it is known that they are toxic to algae and water fleas

Who wants to give up “nano”, but it has a fundamental problem:. Often, the consumer can not detect in What products nanoparticles are included. For a long time there was no labeling requirement. “And many companies do not look at the cards themselves whether they use nano-materials,” laments the Bund expert. For a year, it must nevertheless be noted on all cosmetic products, when nanoparticles are included. The end of 2014 to a corresponding regulation come into force for food

physician warns. “! Not demonize nanotechnology”

“Mandatory labeling I think quite fit,” says Christoph Alexiou . Everyone has the right to know what is contained in a product, in order to decide whether he wants to buy it or not. However, he warns against demonizing nanotechnology in general. “They all offer new possibilities, such as the development of cancer drugs,” says the doctor. The technology generally reject would make a lot of chances to naught.