Nanotechnology is part of our glorious future. It's not my words; it's what the scientific communities around the world say about nanotechnology. With these new nano-vehicles we can deliver chemotherapy drugs to tumors without touching any tissue near them.
This is just one of the few things that we hope to achieve in the future. But what we want to talk about is whether it's safe or not.
So, what's nanotechnology in the first place?
Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic level. It produces new structures and materials like nano-bots and the more advanced nano-vehicle type devices.
The usual nano device has got a length scale that comes between 1 and 100 nanometers. There lies the true core of nanotechnology. At this size, the nano materials exhibit unique physical, biological and chemical behavior.
Our scientists are trying to develop new ways to understand and develop these devices. Like always, we are not in for a breakthrough any time soon. As there are many things we need to consider before we take it to the next stage.
Then, what are the negative effects?
Like I said earlier, this technology is being researched as we speak. It's in an early stage. We'll need decades to 'perfect' this technology to be sued in day-to-day life.
The negative effects?
- In this early stage, most problems center around exposure to hazards at the workplace. The workers in the nanotechnology field might be exposed to particular materials that has got some serious side-effects.
- The low solubility of nanoparticles. These non-soluble particles are more toxic than larger particles that plague our environment now.
- The most deadly consequence is the possibility of a nano particle to penetrate skin. It can also move from respiratory system to other vital organs.
More research is needed to understand these negative effects and to find ways to stop them. You can guess that this is one of the other priorities for scientists in this field of engineering.
The toxic 'nano-materials'
Nano-materials, even the toxic waste, is increasing our fears about the health risks and environmental problems associated with this. It's not like we do not have any other pollutants out there.
Do you want to know some of the confusing facts that revolve around toxic nano materials?
- Particle size: We are still not able to understand whether small particles like nano-devices or the larger particles that contaminate our planet now is more toxic. Also, the chemical compounds that are involved cannot be ignored too.
- Confusing data: There is a large amount of data about the biological, physical and chemical effects of nanomaterials. And we have to find out the methodological problems and recommendations to avoid them. This is a difficult and confusing part.
- Understanding toxic effects: There are parts of humanity that do not really understand what nanotechnology is, they need to understand the fact that nanoparticles can enter into our body by other means too. It's far more deadly than all other form of particles that can enter into our body.
Some misunderstood facts about nanotechnology
The one thing that you guys need to understand is that nano-materials itself is not a real threat. It is their unique nature, their mobility and increased reactivity, that makes it toxic.
While we know that there are grave consequences to lethal doses of nanoparticles, we still do not have accurate data about how to deal with it. It's too early, and we cannot do it swiftly.
Nanotechnology is in an emerging field, it's possible effects itself is unknown to us now. We can only hope for the best. What do you say about this new technology? Can we depend upon it for a better future? I believe we can!