Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials
The use of nanomaterials is rapidly expanding and a large number of everyday products on the European market contain nanomaterials. Nanomaterials offer significant technical and commercial opportunities in the EU, and nanotechnology has been identified by the European Commission as a key enabling technology.
Consumers may be exposed to manufactured nanomaterials contained in paints, sun-screens and other cosmetics, food and food packaging, textiles, sports equipment, electronics and batteries. Their function may be:
• UV-blocking
• self-cleaning
• anti-bacterial
• water repellent
• thermal insulation
• enhanced strength
• enhanced colour, texture, flavor and consistency of food
• water purification