Risk team calls for testing of toxicity of nanoparticles

A taskforce set up by the government's Nanotechnology Research Co-ordination Group (NRCG) said that new testing strategies would be needed to address potential health risks from the use of nanotechnology in food and cosmetics.

An interim report by the Human Health Hazard and Risk Assessment team, set up this year, said research was needed into the toxicity of nanoparticles after they penetrated the skin or crossed the blood:brain barrier or lung-lining fluid.

While several manufacturers, including Nestlé and Kraft, were investing in food and packaging using nanomaterials, research had not specifically addressed the potential toxicity of nanoparticles, said the group.

"What happens to nanoparticles inside cells? Subtle changes in cell functioning should be studied: this may be especially important in considering changes to cell functioning in the central nervous system."

Given that individual toxicologists were unlikely to be able to conduct detailed studies of the physical dimensions and chemical composition of hundreds of nanoparticles, everyone involved in research would benefit from a central databank of nanoparticles, added the group.

"The need for such a bank is very clear to toxicologists. The literature is currently confused as a result of studies being published on poorly characterised material," it said. "The bank should begin with a modest range of materials and expand with time."

The report was published as experts met in Amsterdam to explore potential uses of nanotechnology in the food industry. Robert Donofrio, of risk management firm NSF, told the meeting: "It will be essential to have validated, rapid tests in place."