Nano in brief
Nanomaterials are now available on the market in a variety of applications. Synthetic nanomaterials, nano-coatings and nanostructures can give products special properties.
Nanotechnology and the special properties of nanomaterials make it possible to develop new products that can be used in many different fields. Surfaces can be made scratch-resistant, dirt-repellent, water-repellent or antibacterial, and plastics can be made lighter and more robust. Surface structures and coatings enable water to run off, and make surfaces conduct electricity.
Numerous foodstuffs contain natural nanomaterials (e.g. the casein that is found in milk). However, only a few foodstuffs and food additives on the Swiss market currently contain nano-scale ingredients. These include silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent), carotenoids (pigments or nutritionally beneficial substances) and micelles (capsules for vitamins, flavours, coenzyme Q10, etc.). These are not novel nanomaterials, but products that have been manufactured and safely used for many years.
Coated nano-sized titanium dioxide is used as a UV filter in some sun protection products with high SPF factors. Nano titanium dioxide is one of the most studied nanomaterials. Various studies show that nano-sized titanium dioxide cannot penetrate the body through healthy skin.
As regards packaging, there are now composite films and plastic bottles on the market whose barrier properties against gases and flavouring agents have been optimised by nanotechnology. Clay nano-composites and silicon dioxide are used for this purpose.
Nanomaterials are also formed and released during the process of erosion, volcanic eruptions and forest fires. Combustion processes release ultra-fine particles into the environment. Common naturally occurring nanomaterials include amorphous silicon dioxide, soot and ash.
Nanomaterials can also occur as by-products of production processes. The most significant synthetic nanomaterials in terms of quantity include carbon black (industrially produced soot), silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide.
The term «nano» is not currently used consistently:
- Nanomaterials may be contained in products either in a free form, in a loosely combined form (agglomerated) or in a fixed, closely combined (aggregated) form.
- Products labelled as "nano" may be free from nanomaterials, and may only form a nano-thickness coating when they are used.
- Nanomaterials may be incorporated into stable objects (e.g. plastics) or may adhere to their surface.
- Alternatively, objects may simply have nano-sized surface structures.
Industrial, commercial and retail applications
Already in 2007, a survey on industrial, commercial and retail applications of synthetic nanomaterials was conducted on behalf of SUVA. The representative survey revealed that around 600 establishments had used nanomaterials in 2007. The complete study as well as further information on occupational safety in relation to nanomaterials can be found under “Documents” and "Links" below.
Databases, product lists and market studies
Various databases, product lists and studies list the products in which nanomaterials are used. Databases also provide information on the toxicity of nanomaterials. You can find further information under “Links”.
Further information
Further topics
Nanotechnology: legislation in brief
Depending on their area of application, nanomaterials and nanoproducts fall within the scope of a variety of laws and ordinances. Applicable provisions and planned amendments are outlined in brief below.
Nanomedicines
Nanotechnology also has an impact on the development of therapeutic products.
Advanced materials
The term “advanced materials” covers a wide range of different materials. Compared to conventional materials, all of them show outstanding, novel properties and are therefore used in diverse fields of application.
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