Once hailed as an amazing technological breakthrough, nanotechnology is now attracting warnings from various bodies. The latest, based on online reports comes from the Federal Environment Agency in Germany. It is currently involved in trying to bring about laws which will explore the technology and at the same time ensure public safety.

According to the German agency, over 800 products using the technology are currently available in that country. Some of these products are cosmetics and other personal care items. The German government has gone further than most countries on this issue by creating a Nanotechnology Commission. The Federal Environment Agency acknowledges the potential benefits of the technology. However, it says it will not give nanotech products the coveted Der Blaue Engel (the Blue Angel) label until more studies are done.