Magic Nano

In spring 2006, cases of serious health disorders were reported in Germany in relation to the use of a sealing spray called Magic Nano. Initially it was assumed that it was the first accident ever with a nanoproduct. Very quickly a worldwide debate about possible risks of nanotechnology emerged. However, subsequent examinations showed that Magic Nano did not contain any nanosized particles.

Magic Nano is the name of a sealing spray for glass and ceramics sold in Germany—and purportedly a product of nanotechnology. This new type of household chemical is said to make surfaces in the bathroom and toilet both water- and dirt repellent. In March and April 2006, 110 incidents involving, in some cases, severe respiratory disorders and even pulmonary edemas were reported in relation to its use.

Thanks to rapid reaction and efficient cooperation between the poison control and treatment centers, competent regional authorities, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), and the corresponding institutions of industry and retail trade, Magic Nano was removed from the market across Germany in the span of just a few days. Magic Nano was sold as a spray pump and as an aerosol spray. The recall only applied to the aerosol spray.

Initially, it was thought that nanoparticles (particles below a size of 100 nanometers) were involved in the intoxications. Immediately after the occurrence of the first cases, BfR set out to obtain the exact formulation of the products from the manufacturers in order to establish the causes of the incidents. An expert meeting with the companies responsible for manufacturing the sprays revealed that the products did not, in fact, contain any nanoparticles. This was also confirmed by chemical analyses from two specialist laboratories. Hence, nanoparticles were not a potential cause of the health problems experienced by users. The term nano in the product name was only intended to draw attention to the wafer-thin film that forms on the surface of glass or ceramic after the spray application.

Further analyses were conducted in order to identify the toxic mechanisms responsible for the disorders that occurred after inhaling the aerosols. They revealed that the active silicon compounds (so-called silanes) of the nano fluid had been eliminated by chemical changes in the further processing process. Consequently, only a solvent was sprayed that contained no active ingredients. Apparently, the health disorders observed were caused by inhalation of the very fine aerosol spray. Aerosol sprays with a droplet size of 10 micrometers are only formed when the product is applied from spray cans containing a propellant. Droplets of [Page 408]this size penetrate deeply into the lungs and can impair pulmonary function.

In spring 2006, German newspapers published articles titled “Poisoning by Sealing Spray” or “Household Spray Brings Six Consumers to Hospital.” The message of poisonings by a nanoproduct quickly spread worldwide. The newspaper headlines became more and more dramatic: “Fear of Nano on the Shelf” and “How Toxic Are Nanoparticles?” The Economist asked “Has All the Magic Gone?” Suddenly the entire field of nanotechnology was under suspicion. Nanotechnology as a whole was blamed for endangering consumer health. The ETC Group demanded a general nanotech moratorium. In addition, other nongovernmental organizations such as Friends of the Earth U.S.A. and Australia referred to the Magic Nano case as evidence of the risks of nanoproducts.

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