United Nations Weighs in on Nanotechnology
8 February 2007Eventually, all governments want to monitor the impact and use of new technology. It is no different with Nanotechnology. The specter and promise of this breakthrough approach to manufacturing has caught the attention of the United Nations, which has chosen to weigh in on the potential environmental health and safety concerns posed by manufacturing with Nanoparticles.
The report is entitled, The 2007 Global Environment Outlook Year Book and it is produced by UNEP (United Nations Environment Program). Over 80 experts from around the world compiled the volume and in it, they discuss the environmental and social concerns and hazards involved with Nanotechnology. Some of the concerns raised address issues such as the possibility that Nanoparticles could be inhaled, penetrate the skin or otherwise create general levels of toxicity in the environment. The report also asks to consider the potential environmental impact of Nanoparticles released into the atmosphere and the soil.
Nanoparticles already being used in manufacturing should be the first focus of dealing with potential problems, according to the report. Since these are already being used in production, it should be easier to conduct tests to assess what kind of impact they are having on the environment.
As one would expect, the recommendations suggested by the United Nations in dealing with the problem head on is to establish a series of treaties or protocols among member nations and industries. By working together, they can establish a set of mutually agreed upon standards to keep Nanotechnology safe while continuing to benefit from its usefulness.
Technology almost always accelerates at a pace faster than government bodies are able to regulate it, and so perhaps it is best that world governments address the impact of Nanotechnology while it is still in its infancy.
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