Nanotechnology: The Tempting and Intriguing Technology
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
Working with atoms and molecules, nanotechnology offers the prospect of creating entirely new materials (rather than products) giving humans a power similar to what we instinctively attribute to God. However, working at levels where the materials we work with can permeate to our internal organs, including bloodstreams and brains, the technology also poses unknown risks. The risks are not only to humans but also other living organisms and even the entire environment.
Despite potentially serious dangers, the technology tempts us with the promise of custom-made materials and solutions to presently insoluble problems. The technology works across many sectors, including medicine, consumer and industrial products, energy and environment. We already have self-cleaning glass, anti-bacterial wound dressings and invisible sunscreens, for example. The sunscreen application also illustrates potential dangers; the material has reportedly permeated into the bloodstream and the cosmetic industry seems to have decided upon a self-imposed ban on nanotech cosmetics.
It is in this context that people and governments are reluctant to proceed full-speed ahead with this promising technology. Generally, they want all developments to be vetted for potential side effects and regulations made to ensure safety of researchers, workers and consumers. All those with public interest in mind want the industry to proceed cautiously.
Read about the proceedings of the symposium on Nanotechnology: Risks and Opportunities organized at Lucerne, Switzerland, by the International Social Security Association.
Tags: nanotechnology issues
Posted in health risks, nanomaterials, nanotechnology | 1 Comment »
Nanotechnology Risks: A Canadian Government Discussion
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
Nanoparticles are particles of matter that are at atomic and molecular levels. Working at these levels, you can modify the characteristics of materials and even develop materials tailored to specific needs. Nanotechnology is an emerging technology whose risks are not completely known. Cases have been reported about nanoparticles used in cosmetics entering the users’ bloodstreams.
The Standing Committee on Health of the Canadian House of Commons produced a document titled Evidence that reported the discussion of a session on understanding nanotechnology, meant for the members of the committee. The discussions focused on the risks posed by the new technology.
The Director, Research and Expertise Support Department, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Mr.Ostiguy, explained that over 1000 products containing nanoparticles are presently available in the market.
He continued that the production processes posed the greatest risks to the workers carrying these out. This group included researchers who develop new products, employees in companies that synthesize the nanoparticles and employees of companies that introduce nanoparticles into their production lines for value addition purposes.
IRSST has researched current scientific knowledge about the risks posed by nanoparticles.
Read the discussion on the risks at Evidence.
Tags: health risks of nanoparticles, nanotechnology, nanotechnology issues
Posted in health risks, nanomaterials, nanotechnology | 2 Comments »
Nanotechnology Initiative to Utilize European Neutron and Accelerator Facilities
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
One key characteristic of nanotechnology is that it affects practically every other technology. Technologies from communications through health and medicine, energy, environment and climate change to transportation can benefit from this new technology.
However, research into nanotechnolgy requires tools that involve high technology. At nanoscale, i.e. at one-billionth of a meter, you cannot see or touch things. At this scale, properties of materials also tend to be different from what they at normal scale. Extremely sophisticated tools are needed to identify what is happening at nanoscale.
A “Grand European Initiative” now seeks to utilize the unique analytical potential available at the European Neutron and Accelerator based x-ray facilities. A five-year-long study of scientists and experts in Europe resulted in the development of the GENNENSYS project – Grand European initiative on Nanoscience and nanotechnology using NEutron and SYnchrotron radiation Sources.
The key objectives of the GENNESYS task forces were:
o To assess the “state of the art” of nanoscience and technology in Europe;
o To identify future needs, opportunities and priorities in the field of nanomaterials science for solving urgent problems in Europe and around the world;
o To articulate fundamental scientific challenges, society needs and industrial potentials in this field;
o To define recommendations and objectives for future research, technologies, and development strategies which will lead to major advances;
o To pinpoint areas of research into nanomaterials science and technology that will most benefit from joint research strategies with synchrotron radiation and neutron facilities;
o To review and forecast the effects that a strategic use of large-scale facilities by nanomaterials scientists will have on the facilities;
o To provide evidence of the societal impact of the field and provide a forum for coordinated community-wide communications between basic researchers, industry, policy-makers and the public, respectively;
o To establish a strategic European research programme encapsulated “Nanomaterials research and technology for future technologies exploiting neutron and accelerator-based x-ray facilities”.
Download the nearly 500 page report of the task force from GENNESYS_2009.PDF.
Tags: impact of nanotechnology on other technologies, nanotechnology, nanotechnology issues
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Attending to New Technology Safety Issues
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
“It’s important for Australia to take advantage of new technologies as they arise,” said an Australia government industry department spokesman. “… it’s very important that this isn’t done to the exclusion of health, safety and the environment.”
This is the philosopy behind the National Enabling Technologies Strategy released by Australia government on February, 22 this year. A Stakeholder Advisory Council with representatives from trade unions, and consumer and environment groups will be established under the strategy.
Technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechnology have given rise to numerous controversies and the government wants to listen to all the diverse views. There are differing views on the ethical, environmental, health and other implications of new developments in these technologies.
A danger of nanotechnology is the possibility of unregulated exposure of workers to nanomaterials that act like asbestos fibers and cause serious health problems. At nanosizes, materials often exhibit properties very different from normal state. Completely safe materials can become toxic when reduced to nanosizes.
Nanotechnology is not the only new technology that poses such dangers. For example, in biotechnology there is resistance against genetically modified food crops on the grounds of unproven safety and destruction of bio-diversity. Bio-diversity is critical for the long-term health of our planet and ourselves.
A union spokesman felt that “It’s a case where the technology is running way ahead of the regulation.”
The strategy has not fully satisfied all the groups.
Read the report at: ABC Reports
Tags: adverse technology impact, biotechnology issues, nanotechnology issues, safety, technology strategy, toxic nanomaterials
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