Museum of Science, Boston

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In January 2009, the Museum hosts Nanotechnology in Consumer Products, an interactive Forum to discuss whether the City of Cambridge should take action to inform the public about possible health risks related to nanotechnology. However, you can voice your opinion about this timely issue right now. Read on to learn a little bit about the use of nanotechnology in a new kind of toothpaste, and then cast your vote.

Background: The emerging field of nanotechnology presents great potential for addressing many societal and environmental problems, making our lives healthier and more convenient. By engineering tiny structures and devices on the scale of atoms and molecules, researchers are exploring new technologies that may lend themselves to applications in products that all of us may find beneficial. In fact, sunscreens, cosmetics, textiles, washing machines, car wax, adhesive bandages, and other consumer items that are produced through nanotechnology are already in stores. However, unlike nanomaterials used in carefully controlled laboratory or medical research, consumer products are largely unregulated by the government.

Although products produced with nanotechnology are on the market, consumers may not be aware of their presence, or of the potentially harmful effects of these substances. Preliminary research in fish and mice has demonstrated that certain types of nanoparticles can have adverse effects, ranging from brain damage to respiratory disease.

Like other state and local governments around the country, the City of Cambridge is considering measures to make the public aware of the use of nanomaterials in consumer products. What would you recommend? Read on to learn about the Magic Silver Plus Toothpaste case study, and cast your vote!

Case Study: Nano-silver Toothpaste Because silver atoms can slow down or eliminate the growth of bacteria, some new types of toothpaste include nano-sized silver particles to prevent tooth decay. Although this could significantly improve dental health, it might also present some risks of its own. If silver accumulates in the tissues of people who use this toothpaste, it could cause potential health effects. If the silver particles build up in our water systems, they may start accumulating in other people and animals as well.

Magic Silver Plus Toothpaste is made in Korea by Summitek, Inc., and is one of several brands of toothpaste that now contain nanosilver. Description from product website: "Magic silver toothpaste remarkably enables to whiten teeth, have strong teeth and clear oral cavity, and prevent from tooth-decay and bad odor. Especially, this functional silver toothpaste, eliminates tooth plaque and prevents teethridge disease. "

Things to consider as you cast your vote:

> In most cases, the only information we have comes from the product manufacturers.

> There are many other unregulated consumer products that are not made through nanotechnology, yet also present some inherent risks, e.g. choking hazards, dietary supplements, etc.

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