Medical Dangers: Big fears about nanotechnology medicare.

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Big fears about science of the tiny

By Clive Cookson

Published: January 27 2006 02:00 | Last updated: January 27 2006 02:00

 

Science-fiction fears about nanotechnology - " grey goo " or " killer dust "

taking over the world as molecular machines replicate out of control - are

receding. But more down-to-earth concerns about toxicity of man-made

nanoparticles are intensifying, as nanotechnology stands on the brink of

large-scale commercialisation.

 

The special features of nanoparticles, which make them so useful in

applications from cosmetics to cancer research, could make them a hazard to

human health, safety and the environment. As a result, there are increasingly

urgent calls for regulation and research into nanotechnology. The latest came

this month in a report from the Woodrow Wilson International Centre, an

influential Washington think-tank, which said more aggressive oversight and new

resources were needed to protect the public.

 

Terry Davies, lead author of the Wilson Centre study, says there is a danger

of nanotechnology losing public confidence, and the examples of nuclear power

and agricultural biotechnology show how damaging that can be. " The existing

structure is not providing effective oversight, although we already have more

than 60 consumer products and several hundred commercial applications of

nanotech out there, " Mr Davies says.

 

Early applications range from ultrastrong composites to additives in fuel,

medical implants and sun creams. Safety concerns focus on products such as

cosmetics that contain " free " nanoparticles rather than those with bound

nanostructures, such as tennis-racket frames.

The Wilson Centre's report follows a hearing in November of the US House of

Representatives science committee. Speakers from industry, campaign groups and

the academic world called for more research into nano & shy;tech's effects.

 

 

 

" Our ideal is not the spirituality that withdraws from life but the conquest

of life by the power of the spirit. " - Aurobindo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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