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Nanotechnology: Growing Business, Growing Debate

Nanotechnology refers to the science of working with teeny, tiny machines – as small as individual molecules. They are being used today in everything from baseball bats to cosmetics.

The use of nanotechnology is not yet widespread, but it is growing. Unfortunately, we don’t know much about how safe it is or what kind of problems it could cause for our health to use products (such as cosmetics) that contain these materials, such as carbon nanotubes.

Nonetheless, they are already on the market and possibly on the shelf in your cabinet at home. The more they are used, the more environmentalists and health advocates argue we need research about their safety. Others argue that if the government begins to regulate nanotechnology based on safety concerns it will discourage growth in this emerging industry.

Unfortunately, what we don’t know might hurt us. Some research is underway, but it could be years before we understand the full implications of our use of this new technology. In the meantime, groups such as Environmental Defense are encouraging companies to set voluntary safety standards.

For more information about nanotechnology and current research, please visit the CDC site or the NIH site.

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To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to: www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org, or www.healthandenvironment.org