by Citation News Editor
21. June 2010
Members of the EU Environment Committee, voting on proposed ammendments to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, have called for a ban on nanosilver and long multi-walled carbon nanotubes in electrical and electronic products. They are also asking that electrical and electronic products containing any nanomaterials be labelled and that manufacturers provide the European Commission with safety data on any nanomaterials used.
Nanosilver is valued as a coating for electrical appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners and computer keyboards because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Multi-walled nanotubes consist of multiple rolled layers of graphite about 1/50,000th the width of a human hair and are used in electronic circuitry, capacitors and batteries.
The rationale for the ban rests on evidence that the materials could cause environmental damage or, if inhaled, result in diseases like mesothelioma. Opponents of the ban declare that the materials are not free for inhalation, being for the most part encased in the electrical product. They contend that a sweeping ban is senseless and that products should be evaluated according to their application.
A vote on these proposals is will take place in October.
