BONNIGHEIM, Germany — May 11, 2012 — Nano-particles (Greek: nanos = dwarf) are now being used to
create fascinating products with totally new functionalities. These include textiles from which
dirt simply runs off or which have an anti-bacterial effect. But as is the case with every new
technology, this one must also be safe to use. It is therefore of interest to both manufacturers
and users of such high-tech products that nano-particles are harmless for both human beings and the
environment over the entire life cycle of the products.
To this end in December 2010 the “TechnoTox” research project was launched with the objective
of performing a situation-based risk assessment of textile nano-products. The project is sponsored
by the German state of Baden-Württemberg and is based on an initiative of AFBW e.V. (Allianz
Faserbasierte Werkstoffe Baden-Württemberg) and is studying in detail the questions surrounding
textile nano-technology.
The German Council on the Environment (SRU) published the following statement in2011 on the
use of nano-materials: “To date there has been no scientific proof to the effect that
nano-materials, as manufactured and used today, lead to damage to the environment and to health.”
However, since an increasing use of nano-functionalised textiles is expected in the future in
addition to possible uses of new nano-materials which have not yet been considered in previous risk
assessments, there is still a need for meaningful test methods on the effects of nano-materials and
their toxicological properties.
The “TechnoTox” project is studying whether nano-functionalised textiles are safe for human
beings and the environment. Data on behaviour, retention and on the biological effect of
nano-functionalised fibre-based materials in relation to environmental conditions is being prepared
and a situation-based risk assessment is being carried out. During the project methods are also
being developed which have made possible the proof and characterisation of nano-particles alongside
the analysis of their human and eco-toxicological risk potential in relevant environmental media.
The project is being run in close cooperation between science and industry. The project
partners involved are the Institut für Textil- und Verfahrenstechnik Denkendorf (ITV), the
Hohenstein Institute for Textile Innovation and several industrial companies.
Through their participation in the project all participants want to drive forward their own
developments in nano-technologically modified textiles and ensure their safety from a risk
perspective based on the accompanying and complementary test methodology.
An interdisciplinary approach is secured through the involvement of commercial companies.
This is being implemented using the example of the textile chain of companies in Baden-Württemberg.
The objective of this project is to expand the competitiveness of the innovative companies
which are producing nano-products plus also to process nano-materials or nano-technologically
functionalised materials as well as to support the responsible utilisation of nano-technology.
The project is using a complementary solutions-based approach in which physical materials
studies on exposure are directly coupled to effect-related biological studies.The results of the
studies are aggregated and assessed for any correspondence of effects (of the effective
concentration for example).
The determination of particle properties and effects on real products enables a comprehensive
hazard and risk assessment to be made for nano-technology functionalised fibre-based materials in
consumer products.
Posted on May 22, 2012
Source: Hohenstein Institute
