Nanotechnology Dangerous for Your Health and The Environment?
The British Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) has called that more research be done on any possible effects that it could have on people health as well as the environment. The report they issued was Novel Materials in the Environment: The case of nanotechnology that has no specific evidence of any of its harmful effects, but there is little information available to the contrary. What is surprising to me and probably many of you is that there are already over 600 products that currently produced with nanotechnology.
How is Nanotechnology used?
All types of products have it integrated including:
- Anti-odor items
- Automotive
- Consumer Electronics
- Sunscreen
Many of these products are things that we used on a daily basis. If there is a possibility that these products are to be harmful to us, then I am all for having more research done on then. Because of how new the technology is, regulations should be put on any products that utilize this technology until anything can be determined about their safety. Scientists also believe that the relative size of the nanoparticles could pose a risk to the environment. In order to make items anti-odor, nanosilver particles are used and could kill aquatic organisms if released into water supplies. This could have extremely damaging effects on marine wildlife.
What scares me the most is that little is known about nano particles by the general public. The public should be provided more information and products properly display labeled if they are using it. There could be many breakthroughs that could cure diseases and solve many of our problems. Would it be worth it though if the side-effects to our health and the environment were far outweigh it’s benefits? What are you feelings on nanotechnology? Please share any knowledge you have on the topic or if you have used products that contain it.
