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Small science - big questions! -nanotechnology toxins
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by Maireid Sullivan | October 11, 2008 at 01:31 pm
138 views | 19 Recommendations | 6 comments
The Royal Society of London has stated that nanotechnology chemicals should be defined as new chemicals, because they cannot be compared with the chemicals they are derived from. Nanotechnology toxins are abundant in Personal Care products, which is largely an unregulated industry. Download Friends of the Earth's PDF –an excellent breakdown of their use, with lists of companies who use them in everything from cosmetics, to body and hair care.
Nanotechnology is being heralded as the basis of the next industrial revolution, yet, amidst the hype there are serious questions about the health, environmental and social impacts of this powerful new technology. The FoE nano project aims to catalyse debate on what is set to be one of the defining issues of our time.
The new nano technologies are potentially so powerful that we have an urgent need to understand them, and to make sure that they are developed in the public interest. This site aims to provide general information about nanotechnology developments and implications. It includes writings and briefings from Friends of the Earth, as well as reference materials from other organisations and news.
For a basic intro to nanotechnology - what it is and how it works, click here.
For the Friends of the Earth policy on nanotechnology, click here.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (6)
at 14:35 on October 11th, 2008
Maireid Sullivan, I like this story. It's good stuff.
Are the nanoparticles in personal-care products genuine? That industry is so full of pseudoscience (to put it politely), I can't imagine them being at the cutting-edge of this emergant technology.
at 19:53 on October 11th, 2008
Oh yes! They are promoted for their ability to be absorbed into the skin - to make us look younger. There is the rub!
You just have to read the FOE info to find out the details. This is a thoroughly documented report. Well worth the research time.
Thanks for the flag too. :)
at 14:36 on October 11th, 2008
Maireid Sullivan, I like this story. It's good stuff.
This is always the problem with these developments. They state how great it is and then come out later and admit there may have been some problems with it that weren't tested before.
at 19:56 on October 11th, 2008
I'm sure none of us would choose to be on the "bleeding edge" of new technologies –from chemistry to computer programs. :) Unfortunately, this one has major health and environment down sides.
Thanks for the flag, Amy.
at 23:18 on October 11th, 2008
Maireid Sullivan, I like this story. It's good stuff.
at 00:01 on October 12th, 2008
Thank you again, Heritage, :)