Nanotechnology Consumer Products Have you ever used a consumer product utilizing nanotechnology? Perhaps you have without even knowing it. If you have not used a nano-product yet, you most likely will in the future. The National Science Foundation (NSF) estimates sales of nano-products will reach $1 trillion dollars by 2015. (Lux Research) You’ve heard of ants in your pants, but how about silver nanoparticles in your socks? Silver is naturally antibacterial and antifungal and the large surface area achieved with nanoparticles makes it even more effective. These particles keep your feet from itching and your socks from Transmission Electron smelling. Why stop with socks? Silver Microscope (TEM) image of nanoparticles have been used to keep food silver nanoparticles with a fresh for longer times in plastic storage diameter of about 15nm (1,000 times smaller than the containers, prevent infection in bandages, and kill germs in the laundry. width of a human hair). Nanoparticles of zinc oxide in suncscreen block harmful UV rays from reaching the skin, but are much more attractive because they interact with visible light differently,thus making the lotion transparent. JR Nanotech SoleFreshSocks Babolat’s VS NCT NanoCarbonTechnology provides greater stiffness, flex resistance, and rigidity while remaining lightweight and responsive. Larger sweet spot! Carbon nanotubes around racquet head. Hydration Technologies X-Pack Life-Sustaining Water Filtration Bags Deployed To Hurricane Katrina Victims Portable Water Filtration Porous plastic bag coated with nanoclays to filter water. Contaminated water goes in, but only pure water seeps through the selfhydrating membrane pouch due to osmotic pressure. Filters at the 50 nm level removing viruses, bacteria, and parasites. For more information on products using nanotechnology and safety evaluations see the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies webpage. http://www.nanotechproject.org/