According to a recent survey, more than half of the German population know very little about nanoparticles or nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is often referred to as the future technology of the 21st century. However, with regards to medicines or cookware lacquers, this technology has already been around for decades.
Today, numerous products used in your daily life contain components which have been produced by nanotechnology. Unfortunately, companies are under no obligation to label these substances, nor are there any regulatory requirements.
Nanoparticles are defined as substances which do not exceed 10nm (nanometers) in at least one dimension (length, height or depth). As a point of clarification, a human hair has a diameter of about 80,000 nm. Because of their small size, nanoparticles have different specific properties from larger particles of the same substance.
However, the question of whether or not nanoproducts pose risks to humans and the environment has not yet been clarified. Due to their small size and increased reactivity, nanoparticles can lead to increased health risks. With regards to exposure to nanoparticles while handling cookware, it is assumed that the greatest potential risk is the inhalation of nanofine particles.