“A tale of opportunities, uncertainties, and risks” is an article from the magazine Nano Today. Paul J. A. Borm and David Berube are authors of the article. They present some examples of nanomaterials, which are being researched for broader application. Since taking this course “Introduction to Nano-materials science & engineering”, I have learned several concepts and enjoyed this article. I learned more about the application of nanomaterials.
Since nano-based products are used widely in several fields, the manufacture of nanoproducts is increasing and creating more job opportunities. Accordingly, having background knowledge of nanotechnology may have some advantages to get a job in the near future.
Nano-based products can be used in medical products and food additives. If the nanomaterials in them are harmful to people’s health, then it would be a very serious problem because the food and medical industries affect everyone.
Since nanomaterials may have a big impact on society, we need to resolve the present uncertainties in their safety. The regulations right now treat nano-based products and other products the same, but this might need to be changed. How might it need to be changed? I think for example, adding new rule base on nano-materials will solve this problem. While some people in the nanoscience world might doubt that nanoproducts are dangerous, it is necessary to treat them seriously.
A real life example was nanosilver, which plays an important role as a coating in many products. For example, food packing and wall coverings both use nanosilver applications. Nevertheless, from the points of environment and health, nanosilver could be dangerous since general exposure to silver may damage highly sensitive aquatic environments. How this issue is solved will become the next challenge.
This article introduces some concepts in different applications of nanotechnologies. A fascinating idea is that nano-based products are used worldwide, when scientific advance involves in uncertainties working. The balance between their potentials and risks is very important to consider. This was a good opportunity to gain very useful information. I believe that problems of uncertainties and risks can be solved in the near future. Testing the nano-based products in controlled environments before we use them in the real world will create a safe and balanced situation.
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