Nano-Particles - An Article from Organic Clothing Blogs

Nano-Stealth. Nano-textiles are to organic clothing as GMO
crops are to organic foods. Both
nano-textiles and GMO crops are the results of scientific tinkering at subtle
layers of matter without a complete understanding of the consequences, and
according to their ardent proponents both have an almost unbounded potential
for improving life on Earth, and according to their equally passionate
opponents both technologies have been recklessly released upon consumers without
adequate testing and understanding of potential consequences.

To understand nano-textiles, we must first explore nanotechnology which
enables the manipulation of fibers at the level of atoms and molecules to alter
their properties and qualities. The prefix nano is derived from the Greek word
for dwarf. According to WikiAnswers, “nano”
essentially means “really small. Divided
into a billion parts. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. A nanosecond is
one billionth of a second. A nanocraig would be one billionth of some guy named
Craig.”

Nanotechnology operates on nanomaterials which are particles such as
molecules having a size of 100 nanometers (nm) or less. A meter is approximately
39 inches so a nanometer is one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) of a meter or
really, really small. The width of the
typical human hair is about 80,000 nm so nanotechnology – and the nanomaterials
that they create – operate in a world that is about 1,000 times smaller than
the width of a hair. Nanotechnology
begins at the level of creation where elements of chemistry, physics, biology
and engineering converge.

Nano-materials are engineered at the atomic and molecular level and when
they are integrated into fabrics can fundamentally alter the physical
properties of a textile. According to a recent
article on nano-textiles, Solefresh socks from JR Nanotech are “peppered
with silver nanoparticals natural antibacterial and antifungal properties mean
that the socks combat infections, sores, and, yes stinky feet.” Nanotechnology can be used to give fabrics a
wide range of properties such as being:

• Resistant to spills and stains;
• Create superior temperature moderation when the wearer
  moves between hot and cold external temperatures;
• Really permanent press and wrinkle resistance;
• Able to oxide smog;
• Antibacterial and antifungal;
• Color fast without dyes because the color is a function
  of the nanoparticle;

In our last
posting, we looked at how formaldehyde derivative are used to finish
permanent press fabrics. The “permanent”
in permanent press is relative because the formaldehyde used to cross-link the
cellulose hydrogen bonds in cotton clothes will wash out after repeated
washings. Lands End advertises their
super duper “No Iron Original Oxford” to withstand 50 no-wrinkle washings but
even they will eventually lose their permanent press because their wrinkle-free
property is gained on the chemical level. Nanotechnology companies such as Nano-Tex claim that their fabrics
are really, truly permanent-press because their wrinkle-free quality is embedded
in the molecular level and not at the chemical level.

Chemists like to build new compounds by putting lots of molecules and
substances together and creating a new reaction to give new compounds. Physicists like to break atoms apart by
colliding them together to expose subatomic matter. Nanotechnologists like to build new and very,
very small materials one atom or molecule at a time because at this very tiny
level of creation, atoms and molecules actually exhibit different properties
than they do when many of them are glombed together in a big chunk of
matter.

In his fascinating article “Atomic Masonry” which appeared in the Autumn
2007 issue of Oregon, Jon Palfreman reports on a
conversation with Universary of Oregon (Go Ducks!) nanotechnology chemist Jim
Hutchison who describes how ordinary gold is chemically inert. Ordinary gold is chemically inert, it never
rusts and it always maintains its gold-colored luster. But a gold nanoparticle of only a few dozen
atoms in size is “different; it’s not only very chemically reactive, it also
changes color, from yellow to ruby red,” according to nano-chemist Hutchison.

Creation is very different for particles fabricated at the nano-scale
because the surface area is proportionally much greater than the overall size
for a nano-particle than for a conventional, ordinary particle that is composed
of thousands or millions of atoms rather than just a few dozen. This proportionally greater surface area of a
nano-particle imbibes the nano-particle with properties and characteristics
which larger particles of the same material often do not have such as the ruby
color of gold nano-particles or the ability of nano-particles of grapheme to
attract stem cells for repairing bone fractures.

The Concern With NanoTechnology. But not all the properties, characteristics
and side-effects of a nano-particle are known, and the unpredictable and
unknown side-effects of nano-particles concerns some scientists, environmentalists,
and health advocates. For example,
nano-particles used in cosmetics or clothing may create toxins that are easily
absorbed into the skin and circulatory system and, because of their very small
size, be carried throughout the entire body and into all the organs, including
the brain, with unknown consequences. Because
of their extremely small size, the possibility of nano-particles escaping and
leaking into the environment during manufacturing processes also increases with
unknown results.

A report by the British Government in 2005 cautioned companies and consumers
on the unknown effects of nano-particles. The report concluded “The Government accepts that chemicals in the form
of nanoparticles or nanotubes can exhibit different properties to the bulk form
of the chemical. Safety testing on the basis of a larger form of a chemical
cannot be used to infer the safety of the nanoparticulate form of the same
chemical.”

For example, zinc oxide in its common non-nanoparticulate form has been widely
used in creams and ointments to treat minor skin burns and also in sunblocks. Manufacturers have been releasing a bevy of sunblocks
containing zinc oxide in its nanoparticulate form because the nanoparticles of
zinc oxide are more easily absorbed into the skin without the chalky film of
conventional sunblocks.

Review by
the Australian Government’s Department of Health & Ageing of the scientific
research concerning nanoparticles of zinc oxide used in sunblocks reported that
“There is evidence from isolated cell experiments that zinc oxide and titanium
dioxide can induce free radical formation in the presence of light and that
this may damage these cells (photo-mutagenicity with zinc oxide).” Of course, this is dependent upon how deeply
the zinc oxide penetrates the skin. Their research revealed that zinc oxide nanoparticles, because of their
tiny size, penetrate the deeper dermis layers of the skin more easily than common
zinc oxide especially around hair follicles. The effects and consequences of common chemicals in nanoparticulate form
are still unknown and require more research before they can be labeled safe.

Research is beginning to be published that indicate that nanoparticles can
cause cellular damage in ways not previously expected. Nature Nanotechnology, an
excellent scientific journal published by the Nature Publishing Group and
dedicated to basic nanotechnology research, has recently published two research
studies, “Nanotoxicology:
Damaging DNA from a distance” and “Nanoparticles
can cause DNA damage across a cellular barrier” reporting on previously
unexpected … and unwelcome … side effects of nanoparticles used in medical
treatments.

Because of all the unknowns and the unpredictability of this new branch of
science, many scientists, environmental activists and health advocates are
concerned about the rapid mushrooming of nano-technology products.

NanoProducts: Here, There &
Everywhere. Worldwide, consumers can
find more than 800 products manufactured by more than 440 companies in more
than 20 countries containing nano-particles which are silently infiltrating
everything from cosmetics, sunscreen, food additives, tennis balls which bounce
higher, computer products such as flash memory and processor chips, cleaning
products such as degreasers and window cleaners, bedding and sheet sets, high
performance carbon bike frames, high performance golf club shafts, wound and
cut salve with powerful antimicrobial and bactericidal protection, adhesive for
McDonald’s burger containers, germicidal toothpastes, air sanitizers and
purifiers, deep penetrating sunscreens which last all day, non-sticking
aluminum foil, and a broad range of food and beverages from a canola oil to a
slim shake chocolate with nano-particles “designed to carry nutrition into your
cells.”

One of the new nano-technology products that I found disturbing is the Ain
Supplio Pencil from Pentel. This
pencil for children has nano-particles in the pencil lead which “release
allegedly mind-expanding aromas, letting you smell your way to smartness while
you scribble your meandering prose on a piece of paper. The fragrance is encapsulated using
nanotechnology, where microscopic bubbles containing the fragrance are blended
in with the lead. When you write, the fresh fragrance pops out of those tiny
nanocapsules, filling the room with sweetness and enlightenment for all within
noseshot.”

For balanced information on nanotechnology and to browse a near-complete
database of commercial nano-products, visit the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies

which was founded in April 2005 as a partnership between the Woodrow Wilson International Center
for Scholars and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Estimating that nanotechnology will become a trillion dollar industry by
2015, the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies is dedicated to helping ensure
that as nanotechnologies advance, possible risks are minimized, public and
consumer engagement remains strong, and the potential benefits of these new
technologies are realized.

What has many scientists, environmentalists and community and personal health
professionals concerned is that, currently there are no regulations or controls
concerning the research, manufacturing or use of nano-particles in food,
clothing or consumer products. The U.S.
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) controls and regulates the introduction of
new chemicals into consumer products but not the introduction of new
nano-particles. Consumers are basically
relying upon nanotechnology manufacturers to be self-regulating and to
thoroughly understand and test their products containing nano-particles before
releasing them to the public.

Let’s see if you recognize this tune. Tinkering at subtle layers of creation. Significant possibility for unforeseen
consequences and side effects which could have disastrous consequences for
environmental and personal health. Government regulations inadequate or lacking completely. Sounds familiar? This is all very similar to the way GMO foods
and agricultural products have been slyly released into unsuspecting consumer
markets.

The Soil Association is the only organization that has taken a stand
concerning the health and welfare of the public and the environment with regard
to nano-products. The Soil Association is the major
non-governmental organization in England that “exists to research, develop and promote
sustainable relationships between the soil, plants, animals, people and the
biosphere, in order to produce healthy food and other products while protecting
and enhancing the environment.” The Soil
Association has developed an extensive set of standards for certifying products
that ensure the integrity of organic, healthy products and has banned products
containing nano-particles for two reasons:

1. Not Organic. The basic physical structure of
   synthetic nano-particles has been modified at a very fundamental level. Because synthetic nano-particles do not exist
   in nature they can not be considered organic and are incompatible with this
   important organic principle.
2. Unknown Side Effects. Nanotechnology also violates the precautionary organic principle of safety
   first because nano-materials can have unpredictable and unknown risks, and most
   nano-materials are unnecessary because safer alternatives exist.

The Soil Association is the first and only standards organization to tackle
the nano-products situation. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) in the U.S. has not taken a public position on nano-technology and consumer products with
nano-particles. We hope that the OTA
acts soon and responsibly and stops their dithering. This is especially true
for clothing made from nano-particles. Sufficient
concerns are swirling around nano-textiles at nano-speed that the time to act
is yesterday.

The tiny size of nano-particles makes it possible for nano-particles in
cosmetics or textiles to bypass the body’s natural protective barriers such as
the skin and the blood-brain barrier. The health consequences are unknown but just the thought of tiny little
nano-particles of some metal like gold or silver or heaven-knows-what kind of molecules
surreptitiously entering my blood system from clothing made with nano-particles
makes me uneasy. Of course,
nano-textiles are not required to list what nano-particles they might contain.

The Scoop Behind Nanotextiles. The science of the very, very small is
quietly sliding into the textile industry. Nanotextiles are not itty bitty socks and shirts but fabrics from
natural, synthetic and regenerated fibers that have been embedded with
nanoparticles for specific properties. Science is cooking up nanotextiles to increase protective and easy care
properties such as:

• UV Protection,
• Antibacterial and antifungal,
• Anti-odor,
• Insect repellent,
• Stain resistant,
• Wrinkle resistant,
• Waterproof,
• Anti-static,
• Color-permanent,
• Fire resistant,
• And even the ability to oxidize smog.

Let’s look more closely at some of the nanochemicals that are empowering
ordinary fabrics with these new super powers. Embedded nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) is a favorite for increased
UV protection in swim wear. Zinc Oxide
nano-particles are water soluble and very toxic to aquatic organisms … which
might not be the type of effect that you want your swim wear to have. See Z-MITE

product information. Also, nanoparticles
of zinc oxide have ben shown to be photoactive which causes them to produce
free radicals that can cause DNA damage to skin cells when exposed to UV light.

Silver is one of a number of active chemicals supposed to have natural
antimicrobial properties that have been reduced to nanoparticles for
incorporation into textiles and clothing. SmartSilver, a nanomaterial developed and manufactured by NanoHorizons Inc, is embedded in
clothing, medical devices and textiles to control bacteria. Based on
information and test reports provided by NanoHorizons, the International
Oeko-Tex Association has certified NanoHorizons’ SmartSilver as an active
chemical additive that does not contain harmful levels of substances believed
to be dangerous to human health. Questions remain as to whether the independent
testing has been sufficient to guarantee the safety of nanoparticles of
silver. Oeko-Tex certification in
clothing just means that the garments do not contain levels of chemicals that
Oeko-Tex deems harmful … not that the clothing is chemical-free

Again, SmartSilver from NanoHorizons Inc is one of a number of nanoparticles
which are supposed to endow fabrics used in clothing with anti-odor
properties. Undergarments, hats, gloves,
socks, T-shirts, sweaters, shoe linings and other garments made of wool,
polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton and rayon are impregnated with
SmartSilver’s nanoparticles during the dyeing process to give them anti-odor
properties.

Nano-Tex, a leading provider of “nanotechnology-based textile enhancements”,
is partnering with JC Penney with a variety of home textiles and clothing.

Studio®
350TC Wrinkle-Free Sheet Set
The Making of NanoTextiles. Nanotextiles can be made from almost all
fibers – natural fibers like cotton, hemp, jute, ramie, silk, mohair or wools;
regenerated fibers like bamboo rayon and Tencel / lyocell; and synthetic fibers
like nylon, olefin, acrylic, polyester
and spandex. Nanotextiles are created
not by itsy bitsy teenie tiny looms and spinning wheels but by taking ordinary
fibers and embedding them with nanoparticles.
The most common method of embedding nanoparticles in fibers and fabrics is
by using a variety of strong and weak acids and bases and other chemicals to
chemically or electrostatically bond the nanoparticles to molecules in the
fibers of the fabric. The acids, bases,
chemicals and processes used to bond nanoparticles to the fibers depend upon
which nanoparticles are being bonded to which fibers. Some of the chemicals being used to bond
nanoparticles into natural and synthetic fibers are ammonium, epoxy, and
crosslinkable polysiloxane.

Which nanoparticles are being used depend upon which properties the lab
wishes to add to the fabrics. Textile
scientists can dip into a wide range of organic and inorganic nanoparticles
that will give textile the properties that they wish to create.

The image is of Nicole Grospe and Andrea Clark, both of the Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell, modeling nano-fashions by Olivia Ong. The nano-textiles were fabricated by Cornell University science fiber assistant professor Juan Hinestroza using negatively charged silver and palladium nano-particles embedded into positively charged cotton.  These nano-fashions will guard the wearer against bacteria, repel stains, fight off allergies, and oxidize smog.  Oh, yes.  These nano-textiles cost about $10,000 per yard to make.

The Concern With NanoTextiles. The commercialization of nanotechnology into
the fabrics surrounding us is blasting ahead without any oversight or
regulation or even comprehensive understanding of side effects and
consequences. Consumers, scientists and
doctors have raised a mega-basketful of concerns about nanotextiles covering
the entire lifecycle of any garment or fabric which contains
nanoparticles.

The potential for health and environmental hazards begin with the
manufacturing of nanoparticles, to the manufacturing of textiles and clothing
embedded with nanoparticles, to the wearing and care of nanotextiles, to the
final discarding and trashing of nanotextiles in landfills. During manufacturing, the potential dangers
are to workers accidentally inhaling nanoparticles, the inadvertent release of
nanoparticles into the environment in waste waters and other waste products and
airborne fumes, and the inevitable equipment and process failures and accidents
which will allow zillions of nanoparticles to flood into the environment via
air, waterways or seep into the earth.

During the wearing and cleaning of nanotextiles, some nanofibers will break
off and be inhaled or washed down the drains of washing machines. Some will work their way into the wearer’s
skin and perhaps through a cut or sore into the subcutaneous part of the skin
where it can infiltrate even further into the body and possibly into the blood
stream.

When laundering textiles embedded with nanoparticles, some of those
nanoparticles will break off and wash down drains. Sewage treatment plants are not prepared for
tiny nanoparticles and they will be discharged into rivers and lakes where fish
and other aquatic life will be exposed. Research
published in the Scientific American has already found that silver
nanoparticles, commonly used as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent in
socks and workout clothing, can kill and mutate fish embryos.

And how do you throw away a garment or bedding that is saturated with
nanoparticles? Just toss them into the
garbage to be trucked to landfills where they will enter the eco-system?

Here’s what
I believe. OK, technology has been a
cornerstone of my career for more than 30 years and it has contributed loads to
my personal and family life. Nanotechnology has great potential for good but, as a society, we must
also be concerned about the health of all life, including the environment. We can not rush willy nilly into
nanotechnology and rush untested and unlabelled nanoproducts into every corner
of consumerism – children’s toys, bedding, clothing, skin care products,
who-knows-whatnot. The “healthy” that is offered by nano-textiles is a long way from the healthy provided by organic clothing. This is what I
believe. What do you believe?

Enjoy.

-Michael