Question Earthority!

“Although Consumers Union concedes that ‘no confirmed cases of harm to humans from manufactured nanoparticles have been reported,’ it adds that ‘there is cause for concern based on several worrisome findings from the limited laboratory and animal research so far.’ It worries that particles that are nontoxic at normal sizes may become toxic when nanosized; that these nanoparticles, which are already present in cosmetics and food, can more easily ‘enter the body and its vital organs, including the brain,’ than normal particles; and that nanomaterials will linger longer in the environment. All of this really comes down to pointing out that some particles are smaller than others. Size is not a reliable indicator of potential harm to human beings, and nature itself is filled with nanoparticles. But the default assumption of danger from the new is palpable.” (for publication 03/08)