How serious should we take health and environmental concerns associated with nanotechnology?
From Wikipedia: Some of the recently developed nanoparticle products may have unintended consequences. Researchers have discovered that silver nanoparticles used in socks only to reduce foot odor are being released in the wash with possible negative consequences. Silver nanoparticles, which are bacteriostatic, may then destroy beneficial bacteria which are important for breaking down organic matter in waste treatment plants or farms. A study at the University of Rochester found that when rats breathed in nanoparticles, the particles settled in the brain and lungs, which led to significant increases in biomarkers for inflammation and stress response.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology#Health_and_environmental_concerns
After all most people think we should not miss the opportunities associated with nanotechnology. Soon we could have nanorobots entering the human body and directly destroy tumors. We could build fuel-efficient airplanes using carbon nanotubes. Are concerns overrated?
What’s your take on nanotechnology?
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6 Answers
hmm, I don’t know, only NANOMACHINES THAT GO RAMPANT AND EAT YOUR FLESH FROM THE INSIDE OUT
I honestly don’t know. This is a good question.
Great question. Does this include Nanopets?
A concern with new technologies is that they progress so quickly that no regulations are put in place to create safe practices in the creation and disposal of said technologies. It really speak for the need of our government to create an agile regulatory agency that can monitor and quickly determine the restrictions that need to be put in place for new innovations.
I love the idea of nano-technology and hope that it will be used to benefit humanity. However, one small screw-up could lead to devastating effects before we’re aware of it, killing the technology’s potential before we have a chance to utilize it.
Although I am all for technology and progress, any technology that affects the human body, in my opinion, needs to be investigated slowly. Of course, when companies see the dollar value of marketing a certain product, they will throw all caution to the wind and get a rubber stamp by the FDA (if it applies) or any other governing, oversighting body.
I hope that we as a collective society will be given some say through congress if/when anything revolutionary comes down the road requiring our approval. Because we are talking something that will affect everyone.
@jfos – Nanopets? Are bacteria your pets now?
@mattbrowne Nanopets were a popular 90s handheld electronic craze. Users were responsible to feed/play with/etc. their “pet”. Some were dogs, babies, cats, or other things.
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