Japanese nanotech misgivings
Japan’s Gov’t to Evaluate Safety of Nanomaterials
Nikkei Business Online, Mar 5, 2008 21:03
…”study group on nanomaterial safety” will discuss how to assess safety and what safety measures should be implemented amid the rapid advancement of nanotechnology applications and development, which has resulted in the possible health effects of nanomaterials uncertain…Labour Standards Bureau under the ministry issued to the director of the labour department in every prefecture on Feb 7, 2008.
In this notice, the bureau required efforts to seal manufacturing facilities, manage processes so workers are not exposed to nanomaterials and require that workers wear dust masks and other items to protect their breathing…more…
The potential dangers are not obvious–on the nanoscale, nature itself creates all kinds of nano objects. However, nanoparticles can pass the blood-brain barrier, which could make benign, seemingly non-toxic materials potentially harmful when inhaled or ingested (as well as beneficial as delivery vehicle of medications).
And then there is the “Grey goo” end-of-the-world scenario that replicating nanomachines run amok and consume everything. Fun hey?
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