Inadequate regulation of nanotech in food and farming?
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Movanet
ABC reported that nano-agrifood industry will be worth more than US$20 billion by 2010, with giant companies like Syngenta, Monsanto, Kraft Foods and Heinz probably investing.
There could be a significant market for "nanopesticide". The emulsion from Nano-sized versions of pesticide molecules are more stable, more toxic to pests and better absorbed into plants, however, at the same time could also pose new risks to humans or the environment.
The ability for nanoparticles to penetrate the surface of plants may mean they also penetrate into edible parts of the crop and their ability to dissolve may create new kinds of contamination in soils, waterways or the food chain.
There could be a significant market for "nanopesticide". The emulsion from Nano-sized versions of pesticide molecules are more stable, more toxic to pests and better absorbed into plants, however, at the same time could also pose new risks to humans or the environment.
The ability for nanoparticles to penetrate the surface of plants may mean they also penetrate into edible parts of the crop and their ability to dissolve may create new kinds of contamination in soils, waterways or the food chain.