While the word nanotechnology may conjure images of lab coats and microscopes, as writer Mark Andrew Boyer notes in this month's “Nano Food”, this technology is increasingly permeating our everyday lives. But just how does nanotechnology work? What are some common products that contain nanoparticles and what should consumers know about these potentially risky particles?


(photo by: Jurvetson, Flickr)

For the science behind nanotechnology, you’ll want to read this comprehensive entry from How Stuff Works, complete with easy to follow graphics. Environmental group Friends of the Earth gives the lowdown on which common household and personal care products may contain nanoparticles and what consumers should know about their possible dangers, complete with additional resources and links.

While the European Union has been recently debating the ethical implications of nanotechnology. So far, the U.S. remains much further behind. In a recent article in E magazine, Jim Motavelli writes:

“According to Ian Illuminato, [Friends of the Earth’s] ranking nanotech expert, in the U.S. “nano product manufacturers are still not required to identify nanoparticle ingredients on product labels or conduct nano-specific safety tests on these ingredients, or submit their products for approval prior to commercialization. No U.S. law or regulation is specifically designed or has been amended to regulate nanotechnology and nanomaterials.”