For a perspective on how intelligent folks new to nanotechnology perceive its potential risks, let me recommend Now is the Time to Learn about Nanotechnology at MindfulNews:

"One problem with nanoparticles is that, being so incredibly teensy, they have an easy time getting into the body and then getting around in the body. And, apparently, under certain conditions, they can kill you. Well, not just you but any body, be it human, animal or plant.

To quote an insurance company statement on the matter: "Presumably, nanoparticles must be handled with the same care given certain bio-organisms or radioactive substances." Presumably. The lack of oversight and potential for debacle are discussed on the Hazards Magazine web site."

As you can see, the level of concern over nanotech's potential for harm can be just as high as the positive hype found elsewhere. The intensity of both arguments-praise or peril-shows that we are talking about a profound impact on everyone. One thing I like about the MindfulNews perspective is that it avoids the trap of abstractly pondering "societal impacts" and directly addresses the reader:

"If you feel some responsibility regarding nanotech risks to you, your family, your community and the world in general, you can begin to get a handle on the shaping of public policy and ways to get involved by keeping in touch with The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies."

Everyone in nanotech talks about the need for people to speak up about this revolutionary technology. Venues like this and the Harvard video I described in my last post are, I believe, making public involvement a reality.