Regulations of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has become global. Nanocomponents in various products are already on the market and their figure is growing fast. Within the last fourteen months the number of listed nano-products became more than double. The product record of the Woodrow Wilson Center currently lists 580 products supposed to contain nanocomponents compared to 212 in March 2007. Assuming that the numbers show a representative growth of products, we are currently facing remarkably developing market-potentials in different branches. Looking at the different kinds, the Health & Fitness sector lists 356 products and contributes with more than 60% to the whole market.

Nanotoxicology is the combinational study of the toxicity of nanomaterials.  Due to quantum size effects and large surface area to volume ratio, nanomaterials have distinct properties compared with their larger counterparts. Nanotoxicology is a branch of bionanoscience which includes the study and application of toxicity of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials, even when prepared of inert elements like gold, become highly active at nanometer dimensions. Nanotoxicological studies are planned to determine whether and to what level these properties may pose a risk to the environment and to human beings.  For example, Diesel nanoparticles have been studied to harm the cardiovascular system in a mouse model.

The environmental impact of nanotechnology is the potential effects that the use of nanotechnological devices and materials will have on the environment. As nanotechnology is an developing field, there is great debate regarding to what extent commercial and industrial use of nanomaterials will affect organisms and ecosystems. Nanotechnology's environmental impact can be divided into two aspects: the potential for nanotechnological revolutions to help in improvement of the environment, and the possibly novel category of pollution that nanotechnological materials might cause if released into the environment.

The health impacts of nanotechnology are the potential effects that the use of nanotechnological devices and materials will have on human health. As nanotechnology is an emergent field, there is great discussion regarding to what extent nanotechnology will benefit or pose risks on human health. Nanotechnology's health impacts can be divided into two aspects: the potential for Nano technological revolutions to have medical applications to cure disease, and the potential health hazards pretended by exposure to nanomaterials.

Beyond the toxicity hazards to human health and the environment which are related with first-generation nanomaterials, nanotechnology has wider societal impact and poses broader social challenges. Social scientists have advised that nanotechnology's social issues should be agreed and evaluated not simply as "downstream" risks or impacts. Rather, the challenges should be factored into "upstream" research study and decision-making in the direction to certify technology development that meets social objectives.

Studies of the health effect of airborne particles usually shown that for toxic materials, smaller particles are more toxic. This is due in part to the fact that, the same mass per volume, the dose in terms of constituent part numbers rises as particle size decreases. Based on available data, it has been claimed that current risk assessment methods are not suited to the hazards related with nanoparticles; in particular, existing toxicological and eco-toxicological procedures are not up to the task; exposure evaluation needs to be conveyed as quantity of nanoparticles and surface area relatively than simply mass; tools for routine detecting and evaluating nanoparticles in air, water, soil is inadequate; and very tiny is known about the physiological replies to nanoparticles. Regulatory bodies in the U.S. as well as in the EU have determined that nanoparticles form the potential for a completely new risk and that it is essential to carry out an extensive study of the risk. The challenge for regulators is whether a matrix can be advanced which would recognize nanoparticles and more complex Nano-formulations which are expected to have special toxicological properties or whether it is more practical for each particle or formulation to be tested separately.

It is usually acknowledged that Nanotechnology offers very favourable possibilities. It will, as a horizontal or qualifying form of technology, enter all industrial sectors in the medium term. Nanotechnology offers an huge potential for innovation and development. In addition to this, nanotechnology also has an huge potential to improve the environment through green chemicals and the sustainable use of resources. How we use the existing natural resources has an effect on our health and the environment. In addition to the questions about risks and protection of nanomaterials, the feature of green nanotechnology needs to be promoted. Technological development is a key function in terms of the advancement of an efficient use of resources; nanotechnology offers multiple possibilities in this field. It can also have positive special effects on workplace safety and health protection.

Many recent cosmetic or sunscreen products have nano-sized components. Nanoemulsions are transparent and have distinctive tactile and texture properties. Nanocapsules, nanosomes, niosomes or liposomes are minor vesicles consisting of traditional cosmetic materials, and are mostly used to defend lightor oxygen-sensitive cosmetic ingredients. Vesicle materials do not pierce human skin beyond the superficial layers of the stratum corneum. When compared with the skin penetration of ingredients in traditional formulations ,nano-sized formulations may enhance or reduce penetration, albeit at a limited order of magnitude.