What we know generally about nanomaterials is that they
are new kind of materials with exceptional properties created on atomic scale
by engineers. Nanomaterials are commonly described as strong, light, and small
in size. They are already being used successfully in production of electronic
devices, medicine, cosmetics, automobile parts, and many other fields. However,
their use in nanoproducts is the subject of health concerns. Not many studies
were conducted so far, but we already have been alerted that as particles are
getting smaller in size, they become more reactive, toxic, and hazardous to
humans and animals. They can penetrate the skin, could be inhaled and settle in
lungs and brain. Particles from
nanomaterials have the ability to enter the cells and enter the bloodstream.
They are capable of attaching themselves to proteins in blood, forming larger
clusters, and, consequently, cause blood clots.
The users of nanoproducts are not the only ones to be
affected. Workers in manufacturing facilities and scientists in research laboratories are vulnerable as well. Products that are
made entirely or with some use of nanomaterials are being sold without
appropriate labels to unaware buyers. We do not know how long nanoparticles
have to stay in human body to do any kind of damage. It is definitely necessary to continue
research on a larger scale in order to protect our health.
What other actions should be taken to assure the safe
manufacturing, use, and disposal of nanomaterials so they can benefit, not harm
us?
As time goes on, more and more discoveries and inventions revolving around health care will emerge. With these discoveries will come trial and error. If an individual thinks about it, before any of these current vaccinations that work perfectly came to that status, they had to slowly be tweaked and fixed as more and more information was gathered on the solution.
ReplyDeleteNanoproducts are a great new invention that is starting to become more and more prevalent in today's society. However, because they are in fact a new kind of solution to health problems, knowledge is very scarce in some areas. I strongly feel that nanoparticles should not be used unless the patient understands the risks behind them. In addition to continuing research on nanoparticles, the doctor should advise the patient that knowledge about the long term affects and reactions is still unknown. If the patient agrees regardless, then that is okay. As more and more information is gathered, it can be written and told to all patients. Researchers should continue to work hard and keep society involved and informed about the situation, and that is almost all they can do.
Potential serious health dangers related to the use of nanomaterials are real. We can reduce our contact with nanomaterials and the eventual intake of hazardous nanoparticles by just simply not using products made from them, if we can identify them. Many are not labeled. If patients are offered treatment that involves anomaterials, they should be informed and educated about possible side effects. They could accept the treatment or ask for alternate solution. Some organizations call for ban of nanomaterials in manufacture of everyday products, until more research on negative effects on our health is done and strict regulations are in use.
DeleteThis is real cool, I love the whole concept of nanomaterials. I think some awesome organic chemistry could be combined with the nanomaterials that would be used in accordance with the health system type stuff. In order to dictate where the nanomaterials would affect different parts of the body, they could be released from a capsule based upon the pH of the environment that they were in. For example certain shells could be broken down only in the pH of the stomach acid and then other ones could only be broken down under basic conditions inside the body.
ReplyDeleteSomething else that I was thinking about was, How much do these things cost? Would you be able to use them over again? Like you said earlier, I'd like to know a little more about the risks, it seems hard to believe that engineers would put any sort of really corrosive material in a human while thinking that all it would do would help their health.
I think that Uma hit the nail on the head. Throughout history we have come out with new inventions and technology that resulted in unforeseeable dangers. Such is the price of progress.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic though. You had mentioned that not a whole lot of testing has been done. Did you come across and results of tests that have been done? I'd be curious to see the results.