Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology – what do we know about the new science emerging ?
Most of us non-scientists know nothing about it, although perhaps we may be vaguely familiar with the term.
It would seem that the fundamentals of the science are focussed on the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale that far exceeds what we know as ‘micro’ science. We know that the latter is being applied constructively in surgical skills and computer science. What will be the field of application of nanotechnology?
It is claimed to have a wide range of uses but its purposes are open to much debate amongst scientists as there is little known as yet as to any anticipated environmental impact associated with the processes and the full influence upon our health.
Without any proper information, and with difficulty in conceiving of any ability to manipulate something so small as a nanometre (nm) that measures one billionth of a metre, most of us are on the sidelines as observers – to wait and see.
However, as we query possible applications, already nanotech products are being released on the commercial market at the rate of 3-4 products per week. These range from use in sunscreens, cosmetics, clothing and food packaging to micro-instruments for nanotechnical production. The potential and proven dangers to human health include cancer and lung disease, shown to have been caused by nanoparticles used in paint.
Serious thought has apparently been applied to the possible negative uses such as untraceable destructive weaponry and techniques.
Not before time it seems, the Royal Society is concerned about nanoparticles or nanotubes being possibly released into the environment through disposal and recycling methods and is pushing for defined standards of this somewhat mysterious, questionable, and almost invisible scientific process.
Scientific enquiry that enters the invisible.
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