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Nanoproducts for Plant Care and Protection

Project

Food and consumer protection

This project contributes to the research aim 'Food and consumer protection'. Which funding institutions are active for this aim? What are the sub-aims? Take a look:
Food and consumer protection


Project code: BfR-CHS-08-1329-406
Contract period: 01.06.2009 - 31.12.2010
Purpose of research: Applied research

Various authorities, expert groups, workshops and NGOs have concluded that current and future commercial applications of engineered nanomaterials in sectors related to food and feed production require close monitoring and that the physicochemical nature of these nanomaterials in-situ (within the product) needs characterisation (EFSA-Q-2007-124, 6.BfR-Forum Verbraucherschutz 2008, SCENIHR 2007). Such information forms the essential basis for science-based health-hazard and exposure assessment, although it is general consensus that more toxicological information on the identified materials will also be required.Nanosys GmbH has registered Nano-Argentum 10 as a plant strengthening agent (BVL No. 05925) with agreement of the BfR after consultation in July 2005 and according to § 31 PflSchutzG. Nanoargentum is commercially available on the German market and advertised for use on plants including 'vegetables'. An identical product, TerraGreen AGR, is currently in the registration process. Both products are characterised as colloidal metallic silver dispersion with a concentration of 8 +/- 2 ppm. Unfortunately, analytical certificates on silver content, particle size and particle size distribution are not available and are not expected to be provided on the basis of the current legal situation. Considering the rising level of concern about nanoparticle contamination of food, unresolved issues regarding the toxicity of nanoparticles and increased quantities of use, it seems indicated to perform a refined risk estimation of existing products claimed to contain silver nanoparticles. In the case of Nano-Argentum 10 and Terra Green AGR, an appropriate starting point would be identification, characterisation and quantitation of the silver nanoform as basis for further hazard and exposure assessment and to support the definition of reference materials in context of the OECD WPMN working programme.

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Subjects

Framework programme

BMEL Frameworkprogramme 2008

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