Nanotechnology: Benefits and Dangers
Nanotechnology is leading a new revolution in science and technology. So what are the benefits and dangers of this new technology? Nanotechnology is the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. It’s named for the nanometer, a unit of measure that is one billionth of a meter. Nano-particles are called nanotubes or nanodots. Companies in the United States and Japan are manufacturing these ultrafine particles at the rate of thousands of tons per year.
Nanotechnology promises everything from lighter, stronger materials to monitoring the quality of agricultural products. Drug companies are excited about this technology because the microscopic nanotubes can carry a larger load of drugs relative to the particle’s volume. So the nanoparticles can be covered with drugs and target precisely the cells in the area of the body that need to be treated.
Unfortunately, the large surface ratio of the nanotube that may make drug treatment more effective, also makes it effective at carrying cancer-causing hydrocarbon and other pollutants deep into the lungs. These ultrafine particles, even without toxins, can result in the formation of free radicals and cell damage or cell death, and then inflammation.
Precaution is needed and concern over ultrafine particles heeded to ensure the protection of public health as nano-technology is being developed.