Nanotechnology: Nanoscale Particles A Health Hazard?

securitas writes "Before you start dreaming of all the benefits nanotechnology will bring you, think about the health hazards. Over two dozen studies that date back to 1984 indicate that nanoscale materials are toxic because their size allows them to be easily ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Proponents of nanotech dismiss the meta-study as nonsense, while the authors suggest a moratorium on nanotech development until further health research is completed." The paper (726 kB PDF) that prompted this article is available.

Comments

Fossils, Too.

[ackthpt]

Fossilized Diatoms, or Diatomaceous Earth can cut your lungs to bits, like so many million tiny scythes.

Maybe there's a future for Nanoscale Particles in home gardening and pest control, too? ;-)

Re:Ha!

[HBI]

In the mid-1970's there was a brief (2 years or so) voluntary moratorium on genetic research due to the health hazards thought to be inherent. Al Gore was one of the proponents at the time, I believe.

When it was figured out that gene splicing is less like Dr. Frankenstein and more like traditional breeding sped up, and that 9-headed dogs weren't about to appear, the moratorium was lifted.

The point being that there is precedent.