Nanotechnology; a Double Edged Sword

Nanotechnology is probably the most exciting technological development that the world has seen for generations. Commentators are keen to hail the new technology as a revolutionary step that will enter nearly every industry and practically all walks of life. Arguments are abounding that nanotechnology will revolutionise not just IT, but medicine, agriculture and manufacturing as well. New materials will be created to cater for the ever increasing demands of various industries. But while these benefits are touted by commentators, the potential downsides have been practically ignored. Surely the revolutionary technologies will have detrimental effects on life that will be near impossible to predict.

The first major concern can be seen as the lack of governmental controls and investigation into these new industries. Despite claims that they have the development under control, accounting for health and safety ramifications is essential. The applications for nanotechnology are so wide ranging that their effects are hard to predict. For instance the use of nanos in spy agencies will render human rights laws useless in the face of technologies too advanced to be detected.

Governments are however waking up to the risks of nanoparticles, with expert bodies advising that nanotechnologies should be put under the same rigorous tests that new chemicals undergo to enforce safety of use and storage. The testing phase is fundamentally important as scientists have little idea how some nanoparticles will affect the body in large numbers.

While the socioeconomic effects of the new technologies have been studied extensively, the health and safety impacts are not understood enough. Without a universal procedure for the development, use and storage of nanotechnologies, health and safety standards cannot be defined. This may be a problem at the moment but doubtlessly a resolution will eventually be forthcoming.

With so many revolutionary uses for nanotechnologies, it is undeniable that their development will be pursued wholesale and with gusto. They are hailed as the future and scientists are very excited about which applications will seriously affect our lives. Despite the apparent risks to health and safety, most will have a Machiavellian attitude to the pursuit of what could be a technological revolution.

 Posted on: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 4:20 pm
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