Nanotechnology: the new asbestos or the new plastic?
A new report on insurance for nanotechnology applications looks at nanotech risks across industries and details how they may be handled.
Nanotechnology: The Plastics of the 21st Century?, produced by Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc., ranges from the general:
"As with practically all scientific breakthroughs, nanotechnology carries both risks and rewards. While it appears almost certain that the rewards will greatly outweigh the risks, attention must be paid to possible dangers to the well-being of humans from this new technology."
. . . to the specific:
"Insurance cover for nanotechnology products are expected to evolve in three stages:
1. An early study period, currently underway, where insurers and reinsurers study the issue.
2. The fear phase, frequently accentuated by unfounded but terrifying rumors. This stage is expected to be short, given the generally benign nature of nanotechnology products.
3. The mature phase, where cover routinely is provided either within conventional products or on a standalone basis."
I sometimes feel like we're already in phase two. A few other valuable insights from the report:
"Existing regulations may prove to be grossly inadequate in providing a safe environment in a world of nanotechnology products.
Detection tools for the routine checking of toxins are not adequate to address the smallness of nano-sized matter.
Nanotechnology carries a great promise for improved economic and social well-being. Given sensible management of the risk by governments and the insurance industry, this new scientific advancement can add greatly to the progress of humanity."
And regarding my headline, yes, I know asbestos and plastic are materials, not technologies; I'm just following the lead of the report's title.
Well if you ask me, none of them. As far as I know they are both toxic materials. The “new” word in front of them doesn’t make me any promises.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:39 amEvidence have shown that some manufactured Nanoparticles are MORE toxic per unit of mass, than larger particles of the same chemical. For example, a food additive called Titanium Dioxide is used very widely throughout the food industry, it has not caused any problems to human physiology. Although, new experiments and studies have shown that if the Titanium Dioxide was incorporated into nanoparticles, the titanium dioxide would damage DNA, destroy the function of cells, causes the bodies defensive cells to be destroyed and therefore the immune system becomes dangerously vulnerable. If exposed to nanoparticles for a pro-longed period of time, it can cause heart problems, cancer, blood clots, lesions and a number of other serious health issues.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:30 pm