Nonotechnology: How Safe Is It?

Nanotechnology impacts our lives in a positive way and will likely improve the medical care you receive, the aircraft you fly, the car you drive, clothes you wear, and even your home computer on which you are reading this. Currently, nanotechnology can be found in a wide variety of consumer products ranging from cosmetics to vitamin supplements. But how safe are nanoparticles, really?

Right now, that is a question concerning many scientists and no one knows for certain. Nanotubes have been studied, and continue to be studied for safety/health risks.

Another aspect of concern is that during the manufacturing of nanomaterials, impurities can easily be introduced. The health and environmental risks these impurities may cause are unknown.

University of Oregon chemist, Jim Hutchison, believes that scientists should work now to resolve any potential future problems involving nanotechnology. "...the methods of production are still immature for most materials, often resulting in batch-to-batch variability in composition and purity." Impurities can be easily introduced and have, at least, the potential to cause health problems.

Hutchison goes on to say that scientists should work together to combine expertise and develop efficient ways of handling any possible negative impacts, on health or the environment, of nanotechnology.

Other scientists expressed concern in 2006 after discovering that carbon nanotubes, when released into waterways after industrial use, disperse widely. The effect of this on the environment is not yet known, but is concerning because carbon nanotubes have been shown to cause tissue damage in lab animals.

Furthermore, in the manufacturing of nanotubes toxic by-products are created. Many of these by-products are known carcinogens.

One solution, therefore, is to create greener nanotechnology manufacturing processes—which Hutchison is advocating. Hutchison believes scientists must work together to learn of any potential health or environmental problems stemming from nanotechnology, so that these problems can be addressed before they cause a wider problem.

Nanotechnology has already yielded tremendous benefits for consumers. Thoroughly, and proactively, researching any potential negative effects of nanotechnology for consumer health or the environment can save time, money, and possibly even lives in the long run.

Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331130252.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061204094031.htm

By: Korey M.
Published: 04/08/08