Nanotechnology – Considerations for Safe Development
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
Office of Technical Assistance & Technology, Massachusetts Government, has released a document with the above title. As the preamble of the document says, Nanotechnology offers great promise in different industries such as biomedical devices, clean energy technology and materials engineering. Along with the promise come indications that the invisibly small nanoparticles, both incidental and engineered, can cause harm to living beings.
The particles can cause respiratory ailments through inhalation, get absorbed into the bloodstream and even pass the blood-brain barrier with potential harm to neurological system. DNA damage has been reported from exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The overall conclusion from health and safety research is that material risks may accompany the development of nanotechnologies.
It is in this context that precautionary steps during research and development become important. This has become particularly critical as billions of dollars are being invested in nanotechnology development in US alone (not to mention many other countries across the world). Focusing only on the promise and ignoring the potential for harm that these initiatives pose are things that no responsible government or entity can allow.
Studies have indicated that while many companies have implemented nanosafety practices, several others have not. It is thus necessary to create greater awareness about the issue among managers, supervisors and health & safety officers.
You can download the nanotechnology safety considerations document from Massachusetts Government website.
Tags: engineered materials, nanoparticles, nanotech health issues, nanotechnology
Posted in health risks, nanotechnology | No Comments »
Nanoparticles: What are the Risks?
Saturday, August 7th, 2010
Do you know that we could be breathing in four billion nanoparticles per minute? And be none the worse for it? There are numerous sources of such particles in everyday living, and our lungs have learned to cope with these and we continue to live (and prosper).
Does that mean that nanoparticles, natural and engineered, are absolutely safe? Hardly. Asbestos fiber has caused deaths in hundreds of thousands. Even the London smog has caused deaths estimated at a few thousands in one year. Apparently, the capacity of our lungs to tolerate air-borne particles is limited.
There is also the fact that unlike naturally occurring particles, to which our lungs have become accustomed over a long period, engineered nanoparticles are something new which our lungs have no experience of. Just like engineered chemicals, our body might not be all that ready to deal with the new particles.
Dosages can also matter. A single nanoparticle, even if somewhat dangerous, might not have any impact on our health. Even a billion nanoparticles do not amount to much in terms of substance. However, when the substantial content of the nanoparticles absorbed increase, even otherwise harmless particles might become toxic.
These and other interesting thoughts are the content of a recent post at 2020science.org.
Tags: health risks, nanoparticles, nanotechnology
Posted in health risks, nanotechnology | 1 Comment »
