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Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is a branch of science that deals with particles 1-100nanometers in size. Experts believe possible dangers of nanotechnology lie inhow these tiny particles might interact with the environment, and moreimportantly, with the human body. Billions of dollars are being spent toincorporate nanoparticles into products that are already being marketed to thepublic; when this investment is compared to the the comparatively scant researchinto nanotech health issues, some scientists become concerned.Experts say the issue is that elements encountered at the nanoscale behavedifferently than their larger counterparts. As an example, graphite's properties arewell known and it holds specific position in toxicology guidelines. Nobel winningphysicist Richard Smalley of Rice University discovered carbon nanotubes andfullerenes (buckyballs) — nanoparticles of carbon — which are legallycategorized as graphite, yet they behave in ways unlike graphite making theclassification a potentially dangerous one.Case in point: in March 2004 tests conducted by environmental toxicologist EvaOberdörster, Ph.D., with Southern Methodist University in Texas found extensivebrain damage to fish exposed to fullerenes for a period of just 48 hours at arelatively moderate dose of 0.5 parts per million (commiserate with levels of other kinds of pollution found in bays). The fish also exhibited changed gene markersin their livers, indicating their entire physiology was affected. In a concurrent test,the fullerenes killed water fleas, an important link in the marine food chain.Oberdörster could not say whether fullerenes would also cause brain damage inhumans but cautioned that more studies are necessary and that theaccumulation of fullerenes over time could be a concern, particularly if they wereallowed to enter the food chain. Earlier studies in 2002 by CBEN (Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology) indicated nanoparticles
 
accumulated in the bodies of lab animals, and still other studies showedfullerenes travel freely through soil and could be absorbed by earthworms. This isa potential link up the food chain to humans and presents one of the possibledangers of nanotechnology.Other nanoparticles have also been shown to have adverse effects. Researchfrom University of California in San Diego in early 2002 revealed cadmiumselenide nanoparticles, also called quantum dots, can cause cadmium poisoningin humans. In 2004 British scientist Vyvyan Howard published initial findings thatindicated gold nanoparticles might move through a mother's placenta to the fetus;and as far back as 1997 scientists at Oxford discovered nanoparticles used insunscreen created free radicals that damaged DNA.Complicating the dangers of nanotechnology, size and shape of nanoparticlesaffect the level of toxicity, preempting the ease of uniform categories even whenconsidering a single element. In general, experts report smaller particles aremore bioactive and toxic. Their ability to interact with other living systemsincreases because they can easily cross the skin, lung, and in some cases theblood/brain barriers. Once inside the body, there may be further biochemicalreactions like the creation of free radicals that damage cells.While the body has built-in defenses for natural particles it encounters, thedanger of nanotechnology is that it is introducing entirely new type of particles.Particles some experts say the body is likely to find toxic.Highest at risk are workers employed by manufacturers producing products thatcontain nanoparticles. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) reports over 2 million Americans are exposed to high levels of nanoparticles and they believe this figure will rise to 4 million in the near future.NIOSH publishes safety guidelines and other information for those employed inthe nanoindustry.
 
There is no doubt that nanoparticles have interesting and useful properties. Thatsaid, many groups propose a moratorium on marketing and urge research toprecede manufacturing rather than proceed it. Strong economic drives andcompetition in the marketplace may be taking precedence over methodicalscientific prudence when it comes to public health and possible dangers of nanotechnology.Some have compared the situation to that of asbestos dust -- another materialthat was assumed safe until it was learned that it can cause cancer fromaccumulation in the body. Today 3,000 deaths per year are still attributed toasbestos from decades-old use. Those concerned with possible dangers of nanotechnology wish to avoid a similar or even worse scenario down the road,especially considering the growing market for nanoparticles in such diverseproducts as car paint, tennis rackets, and make-up.
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