Nanotech warning for councils

Nanotech warning for councils

Bay of Plenty councils are being warned nanotechnology is going to have to be considered in any future waste management plan. The warning comes in submissions made on Wednesday on the Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils' joint draft waste management plan.

Jean Anderson, coordinator for physicians and scientists for global responsibility, says the plan as it stands has no reference to disposal of manufactured products using nanotechnology. "These products are already finding their way into retail markets despite there being a paucity of research available on the environmental and human health effects of these nano products," says Jean in submissions.

"A draft policy projecting six years forward should anticipate imminent and inevitable changes to waste quality." Nanotechnology refers to structures, materials and systems that operate at a scale of atoms and molecules, 100 nanometres or less. One nanometre is one billionth of a metre. A virus measures about 100nm.

In her submission Jean says the properties of ordinary materials alter at nano scales. Nano scale aluminium can spontaneously combust, gold, which is normally inert, can bind with human DNA. Nano particles can pass through skin, blood vessels and the blood-brain barrier. Worldwide there are estimated to be 300 food items using nanotechnology in wrapping, processing and ingredients, and it is being proposed for products for domestic agricultural industrial medical and other uses - despite some risks, says Jean.

"Scientists do not know if nano particles persist and accumulate in the environment and what may happen ecologically. "What needs to be looked at is how to handle manufacturing waste as well as ordinary waste coming from homes and shops, and to do this urgently."

Jean says the Ministry of Research Science and Technology is currently also reviewing regulations relevant to nano materials including looking at the Hazardous Substances and new Organisms Act, the Health and Safety in Employment Act, the Waste Minimisation Act and a range of other legislation.