UK Scientists Recommend Caution in Nanotechnology

PizzaFace writes "An independent study of issues posed by nanotechnology has warned that nanoparticles could pose unique risks and should be regulated by government, and generally should be considered hazardous until shown to be safe. Nanoparticles are now being used in some cosmetics, and workers in some industries face exposure on the job. As the report summary notes, 'Concerns have been expressed that the very properties of nanoscale particles being exploited in certain applications (such as high surface reactivity and the ability to cross cell membranes) might also have negative health and environmental impacts.' The year-long study was commissioned by the United Kingdom and done by a joint working group of the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The Washington Post reports that the U.S. government is aware of nanotechnology but is letting industry regulate itself for now."

Comments

Co-Carcinogens

[DigiShaman]

Asbestos is known to be a Co-Carcinogen. That is, by itself asbestos doesn't do anything. But, if your a smoker then asbestos makes it much easer for the carcinogen agents of tabacco to slip through the cell walls and disrupting the DNS. Thus, lung cancer is 50 times more likely to happen in a smoker exposed to asbestos then not being exposed.

All in all, I think the fear of nano-particles being another co-carcinogen is justified untill further research is done.