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Last changed: 05/03/2010
Nanotechnology is playing an ever greater role in product and process innovations. Whilst this is an opportunity to develop new products, it also harbours risks for the environment and health. Use of products that contain and may release nanomaterials should be avoided wherever possible, at least as long as their impact on mankind and the environment is still largely unknown.
23 new worksheets for primary-level pupils are now available free of charge at BMU, covering such subjects as indoor air, noise, bathing water, radiation, climate change and household chemicals. Developed by BMU and UBA, the worksheets help pupils learn about the subjects in a realistic and fun way, with experiments observations and engaging all their senses.
Chemicals like phthalates or bisphenol A are common ingredients in plastics and can be found in the body of almost all people living in industrialised countries. These chemicals are capable of disturbing the human hormonal system and thus may be at least partially responsible for low sperm quality and increased cancer rates in Germany.
The new publication features introductory articles and other papers on individual aspects on the impact of climate change on human health. It presents key information and service opportunities as well. There is also an overview of activities by select federal institutions in Germany on the subject of climate change and health.
Daily life exerts constant stress on children’s ears. Tests conducted by UBA have shown that one in eight children suffers considerable impairment of hearing ability, one in six lives near high-traffic roads. Children in the lower socio-economic bracket are generally much more exposed to noise. The new study identifies traffic and leisure time activities as the common source of noise.