Maybe you are of the thinking that a little bit of anything\u00a0can’t hurt us. Do you think something so tiny, like the size of \u00a0a nano-particle could not hurt us? You might be thinking that there is no way some tiny little nano-particle is going to be able to cause any significant damage. Well, if that is what you are thinking, you may\u00a0be very alarmed and shocked at what I am about to let you know.<\/p>\n

Something called nanotechnology<\/strong> is being used to engineer particles<\/strong> that are 1000 times thinner than a stand of human hair! These nano-materials are several hundred times smaller than our blood cells. The concern about nanotechnology is that it can cause familiar substances to change in ways that scientist don’t expect and cannot predict.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

An example of this would be to look at the thick, white, zinc sunscreen that many people wear on their nose during a day at the beach. If nanotechnology is used to reduce the size of those particles to the nano-scale it will cause those white zinc particles to become transparent. This can be useful, but the problem is that at this tiny scale, the particles change in other ways as well.<\/p>\n

Research has shown us that \u00a0zinc nano-particles are much more toxic than the larger zinc particles and unfortunately that is the case with most nano-particles. The sheer uncertainty in how this technology changes the products means we need to have new safety testing in place<\/strong> before nanotechnology is used<\/strong> in manufacturing products.<\/p>\n

Who is the most vulnerable?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Infants\u00a0may be at greater risk due to their more vulnerable physiology. Since the immune, central nervous, reproductive and digestive systems in children are still developing in infancy and early stages of life, consuming\u00a0\u00a0products with nano-particles\u00a0can lead to irreversible damage and increase their risk of disease later in life.<\/strong>\u00a0Obviously baby formula containing\u00a0nano-particles\u00a0would be of great concern.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Baby formulas do not list\u00a0nano-particle ingredients on the label. Friends of the Earth is also concerned that FDA does\u00a0not regulate nano-particles in baby formula<\/strong>, nor does the agency pre-screen or test infant formulas\u00a0before they enter the market. They\u00a0believe the agency can do more to protect this vulnerable\u00a0population.<\/p>\n

Friends of the Earth\u00a0commissioned laboratory analysis of popular baby formulas to find out if they\u00a0contain nano-particles. They\u00a0tested leading US brands of baby formula<\/strong>, including: Gerber (owned by Nestle), Enfamil, Similac,\u00a0and Well Beginnings (Walgreen’s\u00a0brand).<\/strong><\/p>\n

Results showed\u00a0all six baby formulas they\u00a0tested contain nano-particles.<\/strong> The three types found are \u201cneedle-like\u201d nano hydroxyapatite, nano TiO2 (titanium dioxide) <\/strong>and nano silica dioxide.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Friends of the Earth is especially concerned about the nano hydroxyapatite in needle form found in\u00a0the Gerber, Enfamil, and Well Beginnings formulas.<\/strong> The European Union Scientific Committee on\u00a0Consumer Safety (SCCS) found that needle nano-hydroxyapatite is potentially toxic, could be\u00a0absorbed by and enter cells, and should not be used in cosmetics such as toothpaste, teeth\u00a0whiteners and mouth washes. A material that should not be used in cosmetics raises greater\u00a0concern when used in food especially baby formula!<\/p>\n

Download the full report and press release HERE.<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

What New Risks Can Nano-Particles Cause:<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u25cf They can be more chemically reactive and more bioactive than larger particles of the same\u00a0chemicals.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Due to their very small size, nano-particles have been demonstrated to be more likely than\u00a0larger particles to enter cells, tissues and organs.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Greater bioavailability and greater bioactivity may introduce new toxicity risks.<\/p>\n

Why are companies using these nano-particles in baby formula?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Nano HA is most likely a calcium source for the formula, or could be used as an abrasive, bulking\u00a0and emulsion stabilizer. However the needle-form is more commonly used in oral and bone\u00a0surgeries.\u00a0TiO2 is a brightener or whitener for food and beverage products, anti-caking agent\u00a0Nano silica dioxide is used as a \u2018trickle and flow\u2019 aid in powdered food products, as a clearing agent\u00a0in beer and wine, as a food additive (amorphous silica found to be nano) and as a food coating<\/p>\n

Are nano-particles used in other kinds of products?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many nano-materials have already entered wide-scale commercial use and can be found in hundreds\u00a0of products<\/strong>, including transparent sunscreens<\/strong>; light-diffracting cosmetics<\/strong>; penetration enhanced\u00a0moisturizers<\/b>; stain-, moisture- and odor-repellent fabric<\/strong>s; long-lasting paints and furniture varnishes<\/strong>;\u00a0antibacterial household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators and air conditioners<\/strong>; and\u00a0sporting equipment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Beyond baby formulas, children\u2019s products that contain engineered nano-particles include skincare\u00a0products and sunscreens, supplements, food containers, pacifiers, teethers, blankets, toys and\u00a0stuffed animals, baby bottles, toothbrushes, baby carriages, bibs, baby clothing and many other\u00a0products.<\/p>\n

What can consumers do?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Until government and companies regulate nanotechnology in a responsible and transparent manner,there are steps we can take to protect our health.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Breastfeed when and if possible<\/p>\n

\u25cf Hold government and industry accountable: Join Friends of the Earth to demand a moratorium on the use of nanotechnology in the food sector and urge policy makers to\u00a0regulate and label food, food packaging and agricultural products containing manufactured\u00a0nano-materials<\/p>\n

\u25cf Contact baby formula manufacturers and ask them to remove nano-materials from their\u00a0products<\/p>\n

Sign The Petition:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

There is so much more to nanotechnology and the potential outcome it can have. If you would like to learn more and find out how you can help FOE’s efforts to create a safe, just, resilient and sustainable food system<\/strong> click HERE<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0You can also Sign This<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Petition<\/strong> telling baby formula companies to<\/strong> remove risky\u00a0nano-particles\u00a0from their\u00a0products. <\/strong><\/p>\n

There will be a Facebook\u00a0Party\u00a0at 6pm PST\/7pm MST\/8pm CST\/9pm EST. <\/strong>Click Here<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0to attend the 90 minute party. You can read all about the great prizes and fun right HERE!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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This post was sponsored by Friends of the Earth but all of my views and words are 100% my own.<\/p>\n