“Vast majority” isn’t a statistic but the more direct quote from the abstract is this: more than 120 studies have reported on mammalian toxicity and 270 studies reported on cytotoxicity. Unfortunately, this does not say much about “adverse effects”. Now, I’m not accusing the article source, which is different from the journal source, of distorting the truth. In fact, I very much trust Environmental Defense and its staff for quality environmental research work, especially Dr Richard Denison who gave the “vast majority” quote. What I am trying to tell you is that I don’t have access to the original journal source to be able to expound upon what “vast majority” means for a more concrete statistic, despite the 120 and 270 studies cited in the abstract that did not mention anything of the reporting done, though presumably, it means there is toxicity… presumably.

At least those wanting to know more have a source to go to now.

This sort of survey is very important because nanotechnology is quickly becoming a regular part of our lives in the Western world, but the research is so far ahead of anything regulatory or acting as a check to protect the public which any government has in place or currently planning to put in place right now. See these three articles for examples:

- Andrew Maynard: Safenano Community Blog - Are we on a nanotechnology joyride? Nov 25 2007

- The Economist: A Little Risky Business (the risk in nanotechnology). Nov 22 2007 

- Natasha Loder: Overmatter Blog of Leftovers from the science desk at The Economist* -  The risks of nanotechnology. Nov 23 2007

 * Should be an interesting blog for me to check out as I love the Economist as a source! [Envirostats author]

Abstract (of source article for headline statistic)
The physical, chemical and biological properties of various nanomaterials differ substantially - as do the potential risks they pose. We argue that nanomaterials must be categorized based on the location of the nanoscale structure in the system/material before their hazards can be assessed and propose a categorization framework that enables scientists and regulators to identify the categories of nanomaterials systematically. The framework is applied to a suggested hazard identification approach aimed at identifying causality between inherent physical and chemical properties and observed adverse effects reported in the literature. We tested the workability of the proposed procedure using nanoparticles as an illustrative case study. A database was generated noting the reported inherent physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles tested and the main effects observed. 428 studies were noted in the database reporting on a total of 965 nanoparticles. We found that although a limited number of studies have been reported on ecotoxicity, more than 120 and 270 have been reported on mammalian toxicity and cytotoxicity, respectively. In general there was a lack of characterization of the nanoparticles studied and it was not possible to link specific properties of nanoparticles to the observed effects. Our study shows that future research strategies must have a strong focus on characterization of the nanoparticles tested. 

- Hansen, Steffen Foss, Larsen, Britt H., Olsen, Stig I. and Baun, Anders, “Categorization framework to aid hazard identification of nanomaterials,” Nanotoxicology (abstract and reference information only), published online Nov 13 2007, via Environmental Defense Press Release, Nov 19 2007

You just think about that for inefficiency!

The article was actually about the potential of some of this energy being recovered by nanotechnology with new nanomaterials being discovered, or just thermoelectric generators already being used by NASA in its deep-space probes to convert the heat of radioactive elements to electrical energy, powering these systems for over 30 years. Obviously, we’re not talking about converting energy from radioactive elements here but it is feasible technology for the car. Thermoelectric energy conversion is a solid-state technology that is environmentally friendly, and one of the more promising ‘down-to-earth’ applications lies in waste-heat recovery in cars.

Even at the current efficiencies of thermoelectric devices, 7-8%, more than 1.5 billion gallons (5.7 billion litres) of diesel could be saved each year in the U.S. if thermoelectric generators were used on the exhaust of heavy trucks. That translates into billions of dollars saved.

Just think about THAT for a second!

- Physicist Dr Terry Tritt, Head of the Department of Energy’s Center of Excellence in Thermoelectric Materials Research at Clemson University, one of the leading laboratories for thermoelectric materials in the world, speaking at NanoTX conference, via Science Daily, Oct 3 2007

Interesting, cause practically all I ever hear about is carbon with its tubes and sheets, as well as gold and silica. Maybe that’s where the future lies or the big inventions will come, but currently, it seems, the common stuff uses silver. I’d invest in it now if I were you! [Envirostats author]

- The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies via Science Daily, Oct 2 2007

This entry is the same one from Jul 2007, updated with the posting date changed, when the number of nanotechnology products was listed as over 500.

Most of the products are such “un-geeky” items as tennis racquets, clothing, and health products, contrary to the image one might get in hearing “nanotechnology”.

An updated inventory includes Head® NanoTitanium Tennis Racquets, Eddie Bauer® Water Shorts with Nano-Dry® technology, Nano-In Foot Deodorant Powder/Spray, and Burt’s Bees® sunscreen with “natural Titanium Dioxide mineral…micronized into a nano sized particle.”

Since the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies launched the world’s first online inventory of manufacturer-identified nanotech goods in March 2006, the number of items has increased 175% - from 220 to 580 products. There are 356 products in the health and fitness category - the inventory’s largest category - and 66 products in the food and beverage category. One of the largest subcategories is cosmetics with 89 products. All are available in shopping malls or over the Internet. The list includes merchandise from such well-known brands as Samsung, Chanel, Black & Decker, Wilson, L.L. Bean, Lancome and L’Oreal.

From July entry on original data source link: A link on the source page below contains a list of these products which will not only verify the claim, but is a fascinating read and insight into how prevalent nanotechnology has become in our lives, often in small and unnoticeable ways, appropriately enough. [Envirostats author]

- Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

- Revised update from the same source on Science Daily, Oct 2 2007

Nanotechnology R&D expenditures totaled just over $40 million in Canada, a 12% increase from 2004. Ontario led the provinces with 38% of nanotechnology related R&D, followed closely by British Columbia at 35%, Quebec at 22%, and Alberta at just under 5%.

93% of nanotechnology R&D is undertaken by small firms, as they account for 82% of all firms.

Nanotechnology is going to be a major influence in environmental matters in the future, from potential hazards to solutions for current problems. It is a fast developing field and for all those reasons, it is monitored here despite the statistics not always being one of environmental impact.

The source report summarizes the nanotechnology business development scene in Canada quite well. [Envirostats author]

- Overview and Discussion of the Results of the Pilot Survey on Nanotechnology in Canada 2007, by Statistics Canada (0.5 MB)

Table 26.2