Soil Association bans nanoparticles

As of January 2008, the Soil Association has banned the use of man-made nanomaterials from all Soil Association certified organic products. This applies particularly to health and beauty products, but also to food and textiles. Ahead of the government, the organisation is the first in the world to take action against this hazardous, potentially toxic technology that poses a serious new threat to human health.

Of the $ 9 billion per year being invested globally in nanotechnology, much is going to the development of cosmetics and health products. Many well-known companies such as L'Oreal, Unilever, Boots and Lancome are already developing and introducing these super fine particles into their products and none of these products are required to have labelling to warn consumers.

There is little scientific understanding about how these substances affect living organisms. Three years ago, scientists advised the British government that the release of nanoparticles should be "avoided as far as possible". Though the government acknowledged the risks, no action has been taken to impose controls.

Acording to Ms. Azees, Soil Association policy manager, there should be no place for nanoparticles in health and beauty products or food and there should be an immediate freeze on the commercial release of nanomaterials until there is a sound body of scientific research into all the health impacts. As with GM, she continues, the government is ignoring the initial indications of risk and giving the benefit of the doubt to commercial interest rather than the protection of human health.

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