I recently got information about a live web event on January 15th that explores the topic of nanotechnology. I have heard mostly about nanotechnology in terms of medical devices, but this “particles” are regularly added to our food, clothing, and personal care products. Questions are emerging from this since despite very little being known about their impact on our health or environment.
Nanotechnology is used in sunscreen to make the creams transparent, in creams to deliver an ingredient like Vitamin E. I also read that milk is a natural example of nano technology, since very small particles of protein are suspended in water.
In the current issue of the magazine Orion, writer Heather Millar visits a team of scientists at Duke University that is currently studying the implications of the use of this new technology.
In the article in Orion she writes:
“The use of man-made nanoparticles has spread into almost every area of our lives: food, clothing, medicine, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, and thousands of other products. Regulatory structures, both here and abroad, are completely unprepared for this onslaught of nanoproducts, because nanoparticles don’t fit into traditional regulatory categories.”
The implications and ethical issues of nanotechnology will be discussed by Millar and a team of experts on January 15, at 4 p.m. Eastern/1 p.m. Pacific, and is a free web event. It is free to register, and there is an opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.
Image Source:
www.nanoandme.org
Links:
Orion- Nanotechnology: Panacea or Pandora’s Box – Web Event