Nanotechnology

For a definition of Nanotechnology visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology

Just like genetic modification, the engineering in a molecular or “nano” scale poses unknown risks and yet it is getting into everyday products without us knowing.

http://www.crnano.org/dangers.htm

There might be bio-active engineering in suntan lotions or even foods. Why? Although most current applications are passive nanomaterials - such as titanium dioxide nanoparticles in sunscreen, or silver nanoparticles in food packaging, clothing, and disinfectants - there are many future applications being developed and we do not yet know the implications.

Yet there are no real legal limitations, nor proper testing procedures for this new type of technology. Perhaps because there are no laws to distinguish nanotechnology from other scales of technology, and therefore industries can get away without regulation for nano materials.

The United Kingdom's Royal Society, in their 2004 report Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: Opportunities and Uncertainties, recommended that nanotechnology materials be regulated as new chemicals, that research laboratories and factories treat nanomaterials "as if they were hazardous", that release of nanomaterials into the environment be avoided as far as possible.

So until each nanotechnology application is carefully regulated and controlled, say no to nano.