Nanotechnology: Will it save us or destroy us?

Here, I shall begin with the advantages of the use of nanotechnology, as long ago as 1959 Richard Feynman, the Nobel prize winning physicist, said that nothing in the laws of physics prevented us from arranging atoms the way we want: “…it is something, in principle, that can be done; but in practice, it has not been done because we are too big.” [3]

Through my research, I found many uses and applications of the nanotechnology developments and one in particular caught my eye. Dr Lloyd Tran, chairman and president of the International Association on Nanotechnology [4], has had his voice heard on the subject of the effects nanotechnology will have with the treatment of cancer. This is a step forward as according to the Office of National Statistics one in every three people in the UK will have cancer at one point of their lives [5]. Many cancer patients suffer from intoxication from the chemotherapeutic medicines and treatments, however, with nanoparticles the level of toxicity would be radically reduced.

Another use of nanotechnology is in the conservation of energy. These days, we need to be extremely careful about how much energy we use due to the extremity of global warming. Nanotechnology provides a solution to use the least amount of material to continue the operation of many things used everyday such as means of transport being made more energy efficient and common domestic furniture such as a sofa being light enough to carry with a single pair of hands.

Nanotechnology has reached the public on a global scale. In Japan, The Sangi Company Ltd. Has developed a line of products using nanoparticles with their first production of toothpaste that can repair broken enamel. The way it works is the Nano sized particles synthesize with the particles found on the enamel and the particles present in the toothpaste form a protective film over the teeth. This is a dream come true to those who fear their next dentist appointments.

Here, in the middle of this essay piece, I will discuss an application that is considered both volatile and progressive. The development of military weapons. We have smart bombs but are in the process of developing smart bullets. Though these highly expensive and dangerous weapons will be ‘strictly’ classified as exclusive to military forces, there is always a black market to be wary of [7]. If in the wrong hands, smart weapons can create a world of disaster. In these days of crime and terrorism, they need no encouragement of new ‘toys’ to play with. Competition for these extremely powerful nanotech weapons could ultimately lead to a dangerous, unstable arms race.

From our underwear to our transport, nanoparticles are everywhere, they are essentially an invisible part of our lives. Some scientists are extremely concerned with the negative effects of these particles due to the fact that we cannot see them.

Some sunscreens, use nanoparticles and the investigation teams from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered that titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles could cause genetic damage. The cause was first raised by ‘fear of the unknown’ as undetectable materials are usually quite unpredictable [8].

The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC) recently published a 30 page report on the toxic strengths of nanotechnology. Sheila Davis, SVTC’s Executive Director explains, “Landmark environmental acts passed in the 70s and 80s are out dated and do not apply to nanotech. We also lack monitoring and detection technology, and cleanup practices have not been established.” [9] This report states the loopholes in the environmental act that applies to the development and use of nanotechnology and nanoparticles do not shield the environment from the possible effects that were not known in the 60s when the act was passed.

The nanoparticles, are actually quite dangerous especially when inhaled. Its effects can be fatal, even causing death. Some may say that nothing is worth losing a life, this point leads me to my conclusion.

To conclude, and readdress my opinion, although there are negative sides to nanotechnology, it is something that can hardly be avoided. After all, almost every single medicine has it’s side effects. I believe that the positives outweigh the negative points. Chemotherapy has its down points and can even reverse the healing effects of its treatment. So every invention and discovery needs some work and safety regulations but not every disaster can be avoided. I truly think that nanotechnology is the way forward.

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[3] There’s Plenty Of Room At The Bottom, Richard Phillips Feynman

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[6] Nanotechnology: Science, Innovation and Opportunity, Lynn E. Foster

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