It is possible that nanoparticles in food packaging materials may migrate into food it comes into contact with. This is cause for alarm, a range of nanoparticles that are widely used in food packaging (including nano silver, nano zinc oxide and nano chlorine oxide) demonstrate specific adverse health impacts – with tests on nano zinc oxide producing damaging health impacts on mice and rats as well as being very toxic to human cells, even at very low concentrations. Despite the myriad claims from government and industry associated with nanotechnologies the global, corporate nano-revolution is set to steer us further away from a localized, democratic and sustainable agri-food system.

Title: Nanotechnology: Transforming Food and the Environment
Source: Food First Backgrounder, April 5, 2010
Author: Dr. Kristen Lyons
URL: http://www.foodfirst.org/en/node/2862

Student Researcher: Garrett Scafani, Sonoma State University
Faculty Advisor: Cathy Charmaz, Sonoma State UniversitySimilar Posts:

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Thoracic Oncology, people who have been exposed to an organic mineral called erionite

found in over 300 miles of North Dakota road have a significantly increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a malignant form of lung cancer that develops from the protective lining of organs and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Like asbestos exposure, the erionite found in the pavement of North Dakota roads can cause malignant mesothelioma by simply inhaling small fibers of the mineral.

Erionite deposits are also present in California, South Dakota, Oregon, Arizona and Nevada. It is an organic mineral whose chemistry has become altered by weather and ground water. It is usually white or clear and may look like translucent grass blades.

Sources

“State and Counties Discuss Erionite Risk” by Christopher Bjorke

The Bismark Tribune, December 10, 2010

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/news/local/article_d9a8941c-04b4-11e0-b2a3-001cc4c03286.html

“Erionite Exposure in North Dakota is Comparable to That Found in Turkish Villages Which Experience a High Incidence of Mesothelioma” by Michele Carbone (primary)

American Society for Radiation Oncology, December 4, 2010

http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/PressKit/Thoracic/documents/CarboneAbstract.pdf

Student Researcher: Jourdan McPhetridge, SF State University

Faculty Evaluator: Kenn Burrows. SF State University

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• Nanotechnology: Transforming Food and the Environment

Nanotechnology is a quickly growing global industry which is, for the most part unregulated. The worry lies in the fact that when these materials are reduced down to the miniscule nano scale, they take on an entirely different and uncommon set of properties. For example, they could become electrically conductive, or able to penetrate cell walls.  More specifically, studies conducted on the negativities of nanotechnology are diminutive compared to those conducted on the positive effects produced.  Of $1.5 billion in federal nano spending each year, only between 1% and 2.5% goes towards studying environmental, health and safety risks.

On the other hand, these particles “are used to build innovative materials currently used in hundreds of products worldwide, from socks to sunscreens and even food supplements,” according to Louise Gray, Environmental Correspondent. Along with this, medical researchers are investigating ways to use nanomaterials to target tumors. This would allow doctors to deliver medication directly to cancer cells within the body, and leave the healthy cells absolutely unharmed.  Also, possible green tech applications would make for cheaper, more efficient solar panels and water filtration systems, energy-saving batteries and lighter vehicles that ultimately use less fuel.

However, nanoparticles are being compared to asbestos. A substance once seen as a miracle fire-proofing agent, is now associated with lawsuits, illness, and death. Much of the damage caused by asbestos could have been avoided if the government had taken note of the very present danger signs

Title: Tiny Troubles: Nanoparticles are Changing Everything From our Sunscreen to our Supplements

Source: E Magazine      July/August 2009

Author: Carole bass

Student Researcher: Lauren Faulkner

Faculty Evaluator: Jon Fukuto

Sonoma State University: Sociology of Media, Fall 2009

Instructor: Peter Phillips,  #03Similar Posts:

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