Nanotechnology for mankind and environment - Seize upon opportunities, reduce risks | Umweltbundesamt

Nanotechnology is playing an ever greater role in the development of new products and applications. Synthetic materials optimised through nanotechnology can reduce the weight of cars or aeroplanes, for example, and thus help to save fuel. New lamps optimised by nanotechnology - so-called light-emitting diodes (LED) - have a long lifetime, convert electricity more efficiently into light, which also helps save energy. These are but two examples in a rapidly growing number of products being launched on the market which are presumed to have a positive impact on the environment and the economy. The rising use of synthetic nanomaterials in products, however, also leads to their increased input to the environmental media soil, water and air. There is as yet too little knowledge about the impact of nanomaterials on the environment and their potential health risks for humans. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) presents a background paper with knowledge of relevant aspects of nanotech’s potential to relieve the environment. The paper also identifies risks posed to mankind and the environment and defines recommendations for action. read more