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Nanocosmetics Used Since Ancient Egypt

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."

4 of 252 comments (clear)

  1. We're doomed! by nogginthenog · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Didn't the great Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilisations all collapse?

  2. *Gasp* by RyanFenton · · Score: 0, Redundant

    ...and all of those ancient empires *ended*!

    But at least now we know how it all happened. Nano-science did 'em in.

    Next thing they'll tell us is that nature is involved in some of these mysterious 'nanoparticles'. Nonsense - the mustard seed is as small ad it gets in nature, and that's it - the Bible says so right there (Matthew 13:31-32)! The noiyve of these scientists and historians, I tells ya!

    Ryan Fenton

  3. Safe To Use ? I think not by c.morrissey · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Ok first we have to look at all of these civilizations ... If my history is correct they have all disipated. I would say that this would have to do with some of their "crazy" leaders going to war and other outlandish civil projects. Some speculate that the rampent crazyness in the upper classes in greece and rome was caused by lead pipes ! ... but maybe it was because of their hair dye. My guess is that not all of the lead was turned into this "nano" tech, there for people who could afford to dye their hair actully ended up ingesting lots of lead over their life time. This seems far more likely then the lead plumbing as not alot of lead will flake off when used as pipes.

  4. And how many... by ezzewezza · · Score: 0, Redundant

    And how many ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks do you see walking around today? That's right. None. Safe, indeed!