Dangers of Nanotechnology
Billions of dollars spent on development and advertising of things using nanotechnology, but far less has been spent assessing the environmental and health effects of these new nanotechnologies. The primary concern associated with nanotechnology is that elements at the nanoscale behave differently than their larger counterparts. For example, graphite has specific well-known properties, but carbon nanotubes and buckyballs, which are technically classified as graphite, have very different characteristics. Therefore, classifying all of these in one category makes for a potentially dangerous mix up of properties. For example, these fullerenes have been proven to induce brain damage in fish, which could reveal dangers to humans. Concerns have also been raised about nanotechnology’s effects on the environment. Due to the lack of research in the area, there is no way of determining how these particles will interact with other particles in the environment. Also, fullerenes are becoming present in fertilizers. This could affect animals, crops, and, therefore, human food sources. Finally, nanotechnology has dangers when used for medicinal purposes. Respirocyte, a super blood cell, was developed by nano-theorist Robert Freitas. It can give humans the power to hold our breath for hours, sprint for 15 minutes straight, and extend our ability to see, smell, react, stay awake, and reproduce. However, there are fears that it will create an out of control group of super humans.