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In search of nanoparticles
by Melissa Crytzer Fry
Nanomaterials are present in more products than most people realize. Paint might contain nanoscale titanium dioxide. Fullerenes are found in revitalizing night creams. Sunscreen contains zinc oxide. There is nano aluminum in cosmetics and nano silver in bandages. The use of these and other nanomaterials increases daily.
In 2005, nanotechnology reportedly was incorporated into more than $30 million worth of manufactured goods. By 2014, Lux Research estimates that $2.6 trillion will be devoted to manufactured nano goods.
Below are just a few items that contain the ultra-tiny materials:
- Antibacterial kitchenware
- Antimicrobial countertops
- Bicycle parts
- Canola oil
- Car paint finishes
- Chocolate
- Cleaning agents
- Clear plastics
- Food storage bags
- Gloves
- Mosquito repellent sprays
- Muscle pain relief cream
- Stain- and static-resistant clothing
- Tennis rackets
- Vitamin supplements
- Wite-Out®
Scientists at ASU are working to find out what kinds of health and environmental effects all these nanoparticles might cause. Read about their work in "Too small to see: The environmental impace of nanoparticles."
For a list of products that advertise nanomaterials in their ingredients/contents, visit: http://www.nanotechproject.org
Other sites of interest include:
http://www.nano.gov
http://www.fda.gov/nanotechnology
http://nnin.org/nnin_nanoproducts.html
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