Advanced (nano)materials are used in many products, including batteries, solar panels, and water purification filters. They are also used in food, consumer products, pesticides, and medical products. Manufacturers must demonstrate that the use of these products is safe. The same rules and regulations that apply to other chemicals also apply to nanomaterials. If a nanomaterial or its specific application is deemed unsafe, it can be banned.
New technical applications
Advanced (nano) materials are used to purify water and air. They function as a filter by blocking harmful substances. Sometimes they can break down or kill bacteria. Another application is that these materials can enhance the performance of solar panels and batteries, thereby contributing to the energy transition.
Food
Substances that are added to food, known as additives, or packaging materials, may contain advanced (nano)materials. These nanoparticles can pose risks to human health. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) oversees the safety of new food (additives) and packaging materials at the European level. Such substances may only be introduced to the market if they have received approval.
EU ban on titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive
Until 2022, titanium dioxide, which is partly in nanoparticle form, was added to food (E171) to give it a white colour or glossy appearance. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of using this additive. As a result, the European Commission (EC) and its member states decided in 2022 to prohibit the use of titanium dioxide in food. Outside the European Union (EU), titanium dioxide continues to be used as a food additive.
Consumer products
Consumer products like toys or clothing may contain nanomaterials. Advanced (nano)materials can enhance these products by making them stronger, lighter and more sustainable, ultimately requiring fewer raw materials. Often, the materials are embedded within the product, such as in the frame of a tennis racket. This poses challenges to recycling, as it is difficult to separate and process the advanced (nano)materials. Sunscreen is another example of a product that may contain nanomaterials.
Nanoparticles in sunscreen
Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used in sunscreen as UV filters. These nanoparticles provide a higher sun protection factor (SPF). One of the advantages of using nanoparticles is that they do not leave a white residue on the skin, as larger titanium dioxide and zinc oxide particles do. The EC European Commission considers the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles safe at concentrations of up to 25% in a product. Scientists are still debating the potential risks associated with inhaling titanium dioxide nanoparticles. As a precaution, these nanoparticles should not be used in sprays. Consumers are advised against using personal care products, such as sunscreen, in spray or powder form. There are no adverse effects related to applying titanium dioxide nanoparticles to the skin because they cannot penetrate the skin and thus not enter the body this way.
Pesticides
Agriculture is increasingly using pesticides in nanoparticle form. These can either be small particles of an active substance or conventional pesticides encapsulated in nanoparticles. This approach allows pesticides to work more effectively, or for a longer duration than they would without the nanoparticles. As a result, it could reduce the amounts of pesticides needed per hectare.
Medicine and medical devices
The unique feature of nanomedicines is that they target specific places in the body, allowing the medicine to work better and with fewer side effects. Nanomedicines are designed to dissolve more easily, stay in the blood longer or access hard-to-reach places, such as inside a tumour. Most nanomedicines are used to treat cancer or infectious diseases, and nanotechnology has also improved the effectiveness of certain vaccines. Additionally, nanomaterials can help diagnose a disease.
Nanotechnology is also applied in medical devices. Implants, such as hip replacements, are coated with a special layer containing nanoparticles. This layer enhances the attachment of bone to the implant. In stents placed in blood vessels, the nanolayer prevents blood cells from adhering to the device.
Notification requirement for nanomaterials
Companies are required to indicate on product labels whether they contain a nanomaterial if 50 percent or more of an ingredient is in nanoform. In such cases, the label will show “(nano)” in brackets after the ingredient name. This notification requirement has been in effect for food since 2011 and for biocides and personal care products since 2013. For other products, it is not mandatory.
The notification requirement is intended to inform consumers about the presence of nanomaterials, allowing them to decide whether or not to use a product. Consumers may assume that the product containing the nanomaterial is safe; otherwise, the manufacturer may not market it. Research shows that companies do not always properly comply with this notification requirement. The notification requirement does not apply to advanced materials.