Questioning Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology refers to a field whose theme is the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.
It involves the manipulation of matter at the nanometer (nm) scale, which is one-billionth of a meter. The nano scale is so incredibly tiny that a human hair (which is about 50,000 nm thick) is huge by comparison.
Many researchers believe this technology has the potential to create new and unique risks to human health and the environment.
Human Impact
At the nanoscale, the fundamental properties of matter can change. Nanoparticles have unprecedented mobility, and can readily enter the human body and the bloodstream via ingestion, inhalation, and possibly through the skin.
Once inside the body, nanoparticles can cross biological membranes, cells, tissues, and organs more easily than larger particles. In the bloodstream nanomaterials can circulate throughout the body and can be taken up by the organs and tissues including the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, spleen, bone marrow, and nervous system.
By 2010 the nano-food market could be worth $6 billion. Many of the world’s leading food companies are heavily investing in nanotechnology. Nanoparticles of silver, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide are now being used in dietary supplements and food packaging. Many studies have shown these to be potentially toxic to human cells.
The length of time these particles remain in organs and the dosage that may cause harmful effects remains unknown.
Environmental Impact
Silver is a naturally occurring element in the environment that has the ability to act as an antimicrobial. In large concentrations silver is a pollutant.
Because of its germ killing abilities, nanosilver is increasingly being used in products such as clothing, cutlery, personal care products, household appliances, and even children’s toys.
When these nanosilver particles find their way into the environment, the impact could be disastrous.
Many environmentalists worry that flushing silver-containing wash water down the drain (a result of silver infused antibacterial clothing) and dumping nanosilver products into landfills could affect the base layer of the ecosystem. These are the tiny bacteria and other microorganisms that every living thing depends on.
Silver ions and nanosilver can kill the microbes used in waste water treatment plants to process waste. This could interfere with the bacteria’s ability to break down sewage. Also, if the solid biomass from treatment facilities is used as farm fertilizer, the silver could be carried to the soil, thus harming the levels of beneficial bacteria that growing plants depend on.
Take Action
The EPA has broad authority over all substances intended to kill pests, including germ-killers, but has not yet addressed the growing nanosilver market.
The Center for Food Safety currently has an online petition that concerned consumers can sign to encourage the EPA to regulate these products.
Image credit: The Alieness Gisela Giardino on flickr Creative Commons.
I think one thing you did not address was nanotechnologies use in the medical field. My husband is in the computer field but I remember when he went to a technology conference through his college that was in China. A great deal of the focus for the nanotechnology research was in the medical field, especially for repairing nerves, eyesight, etc.
I think you have a very good point about the possible dangers. I think that with the mass amount of technological advances that are occurring a large part of the problem is getting better government involvement and oversight. Unfortunately, foreseeing what is possible with new technology is sometimes beyond the scope of politicians and requires help from the scientific community to inform the government of research and the possibilities (both good and bad).
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