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 thatnanotechnology will have a major impact on medicine and health care; energy production and conservation; environmental cleanup and protection; electronics, computers, andsensors; and world security and defense. Hence the justification and need forappropriate controls and standards to be adopted and implemented to protect the public's health.


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


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


Why is nanotechnology different? Nanotechnology is differentand unique because its makes use of the nanoscale in which nothing solid can bemade smaller in the physical world. In the biological world molecularmechanisms operate from 0.1 to 100 nm. It is hoped that nanotechnology will beused 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. * Carboncan get stronger and conduct electricity better. * Melting temperature or othercharacteristics. * Increased permeability through cell membranes. * Increasedpossibility of interaction with DNA.


Why is nanotechnology being developed? Nanotechnology is nota new concept. Nanoparticles have been in existence in nature and in theenvironment probably before or as far back as when life and living organismsfirst appeared on the earth. Additionally, mining dust, cooking fires, gasfurnaces, diesel engines, and welding all emit nano-sized particles. However, the application of nanotechnology is new and is probably being developed tosatisfy 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-downapproach or microfabrication uses advanced lithographic techniques to createstructures 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 ofnanotechnology may be enormous on a theoretical basis. But on a practical basis the benefits are yet to be realized. Lack of sufficient sound and convincingclinical studies, environmental studies and improperly rushed risk assessmentsmay make nanotechnology one of greatest threats to human health and well being.


Where is nanotechnology currently being applied? *Stain-resistant fabrics. * Potent sunscreens. * Antimicrobial storagecontainers to keep food fresher longer. * Lightweight yet powerful golf clubsand tennis rackets. * Cosmetics. * Drugs with improved potency and solubility.* Medical devices. * Medical research and diagnosis. * Catalysts in oilrefining. * 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 cellmembranes, receptors, organelles, inclusions, etc.) may disturb normalmolecular, 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 orirreversible, predicted or unpredicted ways that may cause havoc in biologicalsystems leading to the appearance of new diseases and symptoms never beforeseen.


 

What can be done in the interim with the use of nanotechnology with regards to establishing safety measures for public safety? * Adopt the precautionary principle which states that nanotechnology should be proven safe by sound scientific data before released in the marketplace. * Petition the Food and Drugs Administration and other similar agencies worldwide to undertake proper risk assessments and to ensure proper labeling. * Petition the United States Department of Agriculture and other similar agencies worldwide to undertake proper and comprehensive risk assessments. * Petition United States Food Safety and Inspection Services and other similar agencies worldwide to undertake and implement necessary safety standards. * Mandatory use of warning labels on all products or devices that contain nanoparticles. * Engage and provide funding for continuous research on the safety of nanoparticles. * Develop networks for sharing information about nanotechnology, its use and safety among scientists.


About the Author:


Dr Pattron is a Food Safety and Public Health Scientist/Consultant in Trinidad.


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