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Nanocosmetics Used Since Ancient Egypt

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the lead-good-for-the-skin dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "French researchers have found that Egyptians, Greek and Romans were using nanotechnology to dye their hair several thousands years ago. Nanowerk Spotlight reports they were using lead compounds which generated lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystals with a diameter of only 5 nanometers. At a moment where many people wonder if the use of nanoparticles is safe, it's good to know that nanotechnology has been widely used for a very long time."

3 of 252 comments (clear)

  1. Using "nanotechnology" to dye your hair... by daveschroeder · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...is hardly the same as using nanotechnology to repair your brain or otherwise ingest.

    And aside from that, I'd hardly call this "nanotechnology" just because a hair dye process deemed effective by ancient Egyptians coincidentally happened to generate particle small enough to meet the definition of "nanoparticle".

    Additionally, this is yet another questionable Roland Piquepaille submission.

  2. Are you kidding? by bshort404 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Without a doubt, this is the worst post ever.

    The Egyptians used nano-particles? There's a world of difference between a very small mineral grain and a synthesized nano-bot.

    Get a clue.

    --
    -B
  3. It's a friggin *lead* compound... by comingstorm · · Score: 5, Insightful
    ... plus, it's very finely divided, which makes it much more active than the big chunks of lead that we avoid because they cause brain damage.

    In general, any "nanotechnology" that isn't encapsulated will have this problem; a very large specific surface area can make things hazardous even if the substance is otherwise chemically inert.

    And I'll second parent's assertion that it's not actually nanotechnology; it's friggin' chemistry. When you can program it, or it can reproduce, *then* you can call it genuine nanotech; not before.