Should Nanotech Be Regulated?

Memorize writes "Josh Wolfe writes an article in Forbes arguing that it is too early to regulate nanotech. Wolfe is worried that the 'green gang' (his term for environmentalists) are going to regulate nanotech out of existence before the technology even works in the lab. It seems like much of the discussion of nanotech is hype, including the potential benefits, such as immortality and the potential dangers such as grey goo. However, nanotech does hold some promise of environmental benefits such as cheap solar power. Are the risks real, and if so, is it worth the risk?" From the article: "There are rumblings that regulations are needed. They say they want to guarantee the safety of the technology and instill confidence in the general public."

Comments

Re:Questionable...

[Coolmoe]

Thats ok with me if we leave profits to a dangerous substance for some other country to kill itself with. Your rich but im alive so who wins?

Thats ok you keep the money and the goo.

This is NOT nanotechnology---Article is WHOREBAIT

[avandesande]

The article has nothing to do with nanotechnology. Currently these materials are created using chemical methods, are being isolated using chemical methods, and the result are gasp! CHEMICALS.
Any of the complaints about toxicity in fullerenes are the same complaints that have chemical industry has faced for years.

Yes, fullerenes may one day be used as building blocks for nano materials but IMO the 'problem' is a chemical one, not having anything to do with nanotechnology.