TOXIC NANOPARTICLES ENTERING HUMAN FOOD SUPPLY

The food industry increased use of nanoparticles in the interest of selling you more attractive, longer lasting food may end up harming your health. 

 

When ingested, nanoparticles pass into the blood and lymph system, circulate through the body and reach potentially sensitive sites such as the spleen, brain, liver and heart.

 

Over the last few years, the use of nanomaterials for water treatment, food packaging, pesticides, cosmetics and other industries has increased.   For example, farmers have used silver nanoparticles as a pesticide because of their capability to suppress the growth of harmful organisms.

 

However, a growing concern is that these particles could pose a potential health risk to humans and the environment. In a new study, researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a reliable method for detecting silver nanoparticles in fresh produce and other food products.

 

"The penetration of silver nanoparticles is dangerous to consumers because they have the ability to relocate in the human body after digestion," said a researcher. "Therefore, smaller nanoparticles may be more harmful to consumers than larger counterparts."

 

The growing trend to use other types of nanoparticles has revolutionized the food industry by enhancing flavors, improving supplement delivery, keeping food fresh longer and brightening the colors of food.   However, researchers worry that the use of silver nanoparticles could harm the human body.

 

Read more - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130822194530.htm

 

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