Nanotechnology: A Brave New World

Honey I shrunk the technology! It’s not a movie anymore; it’s the direction of global technology. Nanotechnology is this century's equivalent of the Industrial Revolution and it will change everything. The revolution isn’t just around the corner. It has only just begun.

Just what is it that makes up nanotechnology? Atoms and molocules are so small they invented new word to describe them, “nano”, which is a greek prefix meaning dwarf. “In 1981, the development of a powerful microscope allowed people to visualize the nanoscale on metals. Called the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), the microscope magnifies images of the shapes of atoms on the metal's surface.” (Nelson) Manufacturers create ultrafine nanoparticles from common compounds like carbon, silver and titanium dioxide. They can change strength, produce a desired color or even create an antibacterial effect.

Europe and Canada have implemented regulations; however, the United States has voluntary guidelines. According to the Center for Food Safety there is a possibility for the inhalation or ingestion of nanoparticles from food packaging and food where nanotechnology is used. After they are in the body some types of nanoparticles can circulate through the body and migrate to sensitive parts of the body like lymph nodes, kidneys and liver. (Stonebrook) As new technology is being researched it is imperative that safety be integrated for the good of the society. In the event that it becomes toxic people must know. As with all new technology human institutions must come up with safe way to use