Nanoparticles<\/strong> are particles with a size (height, width or length) <\/strong>of 1 to 100 nm<\/strong> (nanometers). To clarify the size: A nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n “Nano”<\/strong> is derived from the Greek term nanos<\/strong> and means dwarf<\/strong>. This refers to the <\/strong>small size of the particles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nanotechnology<\/strong> is still in its infancy<\/strong> and much research work is still needed, so that a general risk assessment cannot (yet) be made<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n Various factors<\/strong> come into play, such as whether the particles <\/strong>are firmly bound <\/strong>or whether they are present in free form<\/strong>. In addition, the hazard <\/strong>must be assessed on a substance-specific basis <\/strong>. A major hazard<\/strong> is absorption into the body. This can occur via the respiratory tract, for example. The problem: similar to A-dust and asbestos, nanoparticles <\/strong>(e.g. carbon nanoparticles) can <\/strong> penetrate the alveoli<\/span> (pulmonary alveoli) and cause serious inflammation of the lung tissue<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n Absorption can also occur through the gastrointestinal tract<\/strong>. Almost no studies are available on the consequences of this absorption. However, the particles can enter the bloodstream<\/strong>. There is often a lack of appropriate test methods<\/strong> to define the effects on the body<\/strong>. As nanoparticles <\/strong>are much smaller than blood cells (8 micrometers)<\/strong>, they are transportable in the bloodstream. Therefore, transfer of the particles into the placenta during pregnancy cannot be ruled out. <\/p>\n\n Many unanswered questions<\/strong> remain about the effects of nanoparticles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Nanoparticles<\/strong> can occur naturally (combustion processes) <\/strong>or be produced synthetically <\/strong>. There are various methods for this: Gas phase synthesis or by the so-called sol-gel process or also by comminution processes. <\/p>\n\n Nanoparticles are used extensively in medicine<\/strong>, cosmetics, technology<\/strong> and surface coatings <\/strong>(e.g. for glasses: increased scratch resistance) Where nanoparticles<\/strong> are already found, for example, are impregnation sprays<\/strong> or sun creams<\/strong> (titanium or zinc oxide). The protective effect lies in the surface structure. The coating potential<\/strong> is also utilized in other areas. For example, the use of nanoparticles can significantly reduce the amount of material used and thus save energy and material. <\/p>\n\n There are also many potential applications in medicine<\/strong>. For example, nanoparticles<\/strong> can be used to transport active ingredients in a more targeted manner<\/strong>, as they can pass through the blood-brain barrier, making therapies minimally invasive. It is also possible to use particles <\/strong>with an antimicrobial effect (e.g. silver) <\/strong>, which can curb the spread of germs. <\/p>\n\n Despite the research, some questions remain unanswered, particularly on the subject of potential hazards<\/span>. Meanwhile, many studies refer to the impact on water bodies<\/strong> and aquatic organisms, as it is assumed that the increasing use of silver particles in everyday life<\/strong> (e.g. functional clothing) has led to an increase in silver in wastewater. The question remains as to what influence this has on the sewage sludge<\/strong> and the microorganisms required for wastewater treatment<\/strong>. The labeling of products<\/strong> containing nanotechnology<\/strong> is not yet uniformly regulated; meanwhile, “nano” must be declared after the substance in question in the list of ingredients. Unintentional release must be avoided during production, as the particles spread very quickly and widely throughout the room. <\/p>\n\n Despite all the concerns, there remains a positive trend for the future of nanoparticles<\/strong>. Intensive research is being carried out to find solutions to issues such as hazardous substance measurement <\/strong>or the effects on the body<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n Sources: What does the term “nano” mean? Nanoparticles are particles with a size (height, width or length) of 1 to 100 nm (nanometers). To clarify the size: A nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter. “Nano” is derived from the Greek term nanos and means dwarf. This refers to the small size of the particles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11398,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1074,1059],"tags":[1560,1561,1421,1562,1563],"class_list":["post-10940","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pollutants","category-uncategorized","tag-agw-en","tag-coatings","tag-hazardous-substance-measurement","tag-nanomaterials","tag-nanoparticles"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
Occurrence of nanoparticles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Use of nanoparticles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Unanswered questions about the dangers of nanoparticles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n