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[2020Science]: Asked to conclude the Fourth International Conference on Nanotechnology, Occupational and Environmental Health in Helsinki this year, I rather rashly came up with the above title for my talk - thinking that I would find inspiration in the multitude of new research on nanotech safety being presented at the meeting. As it turns out, ...

Following the widely publicised release of Song et. al.'s study into lung disease in Chinese workers expoed to nanoparticles in the workplace (accessible here), there was of course much discussion within both the nano and wider community as to the paper's implications and its issues. SAFENANO published a special feature on the ...

In the wake of a new study linking “nanotechnology” to two deaths and five additional cases of lung disease, the emerging technology of the ultra-small could be in for a rough ride.  Yet the real risk is that in the rush to use or even abuse the findings, the science and it’s true relevance are overlooked. It’s never good news when a ...

The recent tragic account of seven Chinese workers suffering—apparently—from nanoparticle-induced lung disease, is likely to raise serious concerns with anyone potentially exposed to similar particles.  Yet without the benefit of insight from scientists and others working on nanoparticles and their potential health impacts, it’s hard to ...

From 2020 Science:I’m looking at an electron microscope image of a carbon nanotube - as I cannot show it here, you’ll have to imagine it.  It shows a long, straight, multi-walled carbon nanotube, around 100 nanometers wide and 10 micrometers long.  There is nothing particularly unusual about this.  What is unusual is that the ...

In my usual daily trawlings of the web for newsworthy items to add to SAFENANO.org, I get through plenty of news that isn’t really relevant to our initiative, and occasionally come across some totally weird and wonderful (but in a geeky-kinda way great) stuff. Usually I don’t have time to write about any of this, and really, why would you want to ...

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) issued letters to manufacturers who produce or import carbon nanotubes in California, or who may export carbon nanotubes into the State on January 22, 2009.  The letter also outlined the time frame that manufacturers are required to respond under the law.  This letter is ...

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is hosting the third Nanotechnology Symposium: ''NanoRegulation - Anticipating the Smallest Threats and the Largest Opportunities'' on March 19, 2009 in the Byron Sher Auditorium on the 2nd Floor of the Cal/EPA Building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  Check in ...

From 2020science: Nanotechnology—like other emerging technologies—presents a dilemma:  If you're making new substances with uncertain health risks, how low is low enough when it comes to managing exposure? The issue is raised in the current edition of Nature Nanotechnology by Vladimir Murashov of the National Institute for Occupational ...

The SafeNANO blog is no stranger to the use (and possible abuse) of nanometre-scale silver—products ranging from silver-enhanced socks and toothpaste to plush toys and cure-alls have all appeared in the spotlight recently.  With each passing month, the number of nano-silver gizmos on the market is growing.  Back in March 2006 when the ...