Introduction The recent emergence of nanotechnology in the marketplace has raised global concerns among scientists, researchers, regulatory agencies, consumers and the general public, regarding its safety. It is expected that nanotechnology will have a major impact on medicine and health care; energy production and conservation; environmental cleanup and protection; electronics, computers, and sensors; and world security and defense. Hence the justification and need for appropriate controls and standards to be adopted and implemented to protect the public's health.

What is nanotechnology? Nanotechnology is the creation and use of particles one billionth of a meter for the manufacture of materials, products and devices.

Who introduced the concept of nanotechnology? * The concept originated with the American physicist-Richard P. Feynman in 1959. * The term nanotechnology was first used in 1974 by Japanese scientist Norio Taniguchi in a paper titled "On the Basic Concept of Nanotechnology." * The term was also used by American engineer K. Eric Drexler in 1986 in the book "Engines of Creation."

Why is nanotechnology different? Nanotechnology is different and unique because its makes use of the nanoscale in which nothing solid can be made smaller in the physical world. In the biological world molecular mechanisms operate from 0.1 to 100 nm. It is hoped that nanotechnology will be used for breakthrough technologies because nanoparticles can assume novel properties. Some of these novel properties include, but are not limited to the following: * Aluminum can become more explosive. * Gold may glimmer green or red. * Carbon can get stronger and conduct electricity better. * Melting temperature or other characteristics. * Increased permeability through cell membranes. * Increased possibility of interaction with DNA.

Why is nanotechnology being developed? Nanotechnology is not a new concept. Nanoparticles have been in existence in nature and in the environment probably before or as far back as when life and living organisms first appeared on the earth. Additionally, mining dust, cooking fires, gas furnaces, diesel engines, and welding all emit nano-sized particles. However, the application of nanotechnology is new and is probably being developed to satisfy some particular human need or to provide better service or to improve the quality of life.

How to create particles at the nanometer size? 1. Top-down approach or microfabrication uses advanced lithographic techniques to create structures that range from 20 nm to 100 nm. 2. Bottom-top approach. This approach involves the manipulation of atoms and molecules to form nanostructures.

What are the benefits of nanotechnology? The benefits of nanotechnology may be enormous on a theoretical basis. But on a practical basis the benefits are yet to be realized. Lack of sufficient sound and convincing clinical studies, environmental studies and improperly rushed risk assessments may make nanotechnology one of greatest threats to human health and well being.

Where is nanotechnology currently being applied? * Stain-resistant fabrics. * Potent sunscreens. * Antimicrobial storage containers to keep food fresher longer. * Lightweight yet powerful golf clubs and tennis rackets. * Cosmetics. * Drugs with improved potency and solubility. * Medical devices. * Medical research and diagnosis. * Catalysts in oil refining. * Enzymes in the food industry. * Pesticides. * Other consumer products.

How can nanotechnology affect human health and well being? Nanoparticles can affect human health and well being in several unpredictable ways: * Nanoparticles can enter the body through multiple routes of entry (inhaled, eaten or absorbed) and can accumulate in novel places. * Accumulation of nanoparticles in novel places in the body (intracellular, intercellular, extracellular or in the cell membranes, receptors, organelles, inclusions, etc.) may disturb normal molecular, biochemical, physiological and anatomical functions leading to unpredictable conditions that may lead to cytotoxicity, necrosis, and cell death. * Nanoparticles may interact with molecular structures, proteins, enzymes, DNA, RNA in a reversible or irreversible, predicted or unpredicted ways that may cause havoc in biological systems leading to the appearance of new diseases and symptoms never before seen.