Home > News > The smaller, the better? Consumer groups sound the alarm over nanotechnology
May 19th, 2009
The smaller, the better? Consumer groups sound the alarm over nanotechnology
Abstract:
Self-cleaning windows. Socks that don't smell. Slacks that fend off spilled tomato juice.
Nanotechnolgy, the art and science of manipulating atoms on a nano scale, has generated more than 800 such "miracle" products on the market - and that's probably a gross underestimation. Even Elmer's has a Nano Glue it claims bonds to any surface. And remember when lifeguards had "white noses" due to the zinc oxide in sunscreen? Now almost all sunscreen is made with nano particles, resulting in transparent zinc oxide.
But now, increasingly, the technology that spawned these wonder products is leading some to suggest that small - or, at least, nano small - can sometimes lead to big trouble.
With pharmaceutical giants Bayer, BASF and Pfizer and energy companies like Exxon Mobil furiously pursuing nanotechnology projects, a number of consumer groups are raising the alarm.
"Nanotechnology is said to have the same potential impact on society as did the industrial revolution," Burdock said. "Our job is not to stand in the way of potentially beneficial technology, but to make sure it is used in a safe manner."
Source:
palmbeachpost.com
Bookmark:
| Related News Press |
News and information
Beyond wires: Bubble technology powers next-generation electronics:New laser-based bubble printing technique creates ultra-flexible liquid metal circuits November 8th, 2024
Nanoparticle bursts over the Amazon rainforest: Rainfall induces bursts of natural nanoparticles that can form clouds and further precipitation over the Amazon rainforest November 8th, 2024
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design November 8th, 2024
Exosomes: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy November 8th, 2024
Preparing for Nano
Disruptive by Design: Nano Now February 1st, 2019
How nanoscience will improve our health and lives in the coming years: Targeted medicine deliveries and increased energy efficiency are just two of many ways October 26th, 2016
Searching for a nanotech self-organizing principle May 1st, 2016
Environment
Nanoparticle bursts over the Amazon rainforest: Rainfall induces bursts of natural nanoparticles that can form clouds and further precipitation over the Amazon rainforest November 8th, 2024
New method in the fight against forever chemicals September 13th, 2024
Safety-Nanoparticles/Risk management
Tests find no free-standing nanotubes released from tire tread wear September 8th, 2023
Billions of nanoplastics released when microwaving baby food containers: Exposure to plastic particles kills up to 75% of cultured kidney cells July 21st, 2023
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||