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Small science - big questions!

Nanotechnology is being heralded as the basis of the next industrial revolution, yet, amidst the hype there are serious questions about the health and environmental impacts, social and political dimensions of this powerful new technology. The FoE nano project aims to catalyse debate on what is set to be one of the defining issues of our time.

Position available - nanotech project coordinator

Are you an environment or social justice campaigner who's passionate about science and technology issues? We're looking for a new coordinator for our nanotechnology work. The position can be based in Melbourne, Brisbane or elsewhere by negotiation. Applications close Tuesday 14 February 2012.

Hasselhoffs to Health Minister: Please regulate nano-sunscreens

Coinciding with David Hasselhoff's visit to Sydney, a crew of 20 Sydney-siders and Friends of the Earth members dressed up as beach safety icon 'The Hoff' to bring their concerns about the safety of nano-sunscreens to the office of the new Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek.

Health Experts question the need of nano-ingredients in sunscreens

In interviews for last night’s report on Today Tonight (Jan 3, 2012), health experts question the need for nano-ingredients in sunscreens.
 
“With nano-particles, rather than reflecting the ultraviolet light, they actually absorb it, and from absorbing that ultraviolet light, they produce free radicals at the surface of the nano-particle.
 
And that could be a mechanism by which skin cancer could be produced,” dermatologist Dr Robert Salmon said.
 
Cancer Council NSW CEO Dr Andrew Penman adds "They are simply not necessary for sunscreen effect. They don't add to the sunscreen quality."

European Parliament stands united to protect workers from nanomaterials!!

Submitted by gregory on December 20, 2011 - 17:04

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly voted to pass a resolution stating:

"The potential risks of new technologies and harmful substances must be assessed, and legislation drafted to ensure that nanomaterials are covered by the current European Occupational Health and Safety regulation"

The Guardian puts the spotlight on nano-sunscreens

The Guardian has this week published an article that puts nanotechnology sunscreen safety into the spotlight.

Polling reveals that 85% of Australians want nano-ingredients labelled in sunscreens

Submitted by georgia on December 8, 2011 - 13:13

Results from a recent survey of nearly 1300 people commissioned by Friends of the Earth and carried out by The Australia Institute reveals:

* 85% of Australians want companies to be required to label sunscreens and cosmetics which contain nano-ingredients, and

* 92% of Australians believe sunscreen and cosmetics manufacturers have to conduct safety tests on nano-ingredients before using them in products

Car cleaning product takes nano hype to the next level

With apologies to Mel Brooks, this car cleaning nano-product promo video may just be the Spaceballs nanotechnology had to have.

Can we close the gaps between technology development and legal, ethical oversight?

There is often a long time lag between the introduction of a new technology and the creation of laws to manage it, consideration of ethical dimensions, and public debate. The New Haven Independent covered a recent conference at which these thorny issues were discussed.

Nano risks get minimal media coverage, study finds

A nine year study of press coverage in the US and UK has found an overwhelming focus on nanotechnology's potential benefits, while little attention was given to potential health, environmental or social risks.