Sunday, April 29, 2012
NANOTECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES post by Thomas Ponikowski
In well-developed countries,
nanotechnology allowed for the development of nanomaterials from which we can
benefit greatly. We can enjoy smaller and smarter materials and devices that
use less and less natural resources. Some of the newest discoveries could, in a
very near future, improve lives of millions of people who live in poverty and harsh
conditions in Africa and Asia. For example, carbon nanotube and zinc oxide
nanoparticle filters can purify and decontaminate water. Water-cleaning nano
agents can clear-out algae from water surfaces and prevent their further
growth. Nano sensors installed on farmland can detect the deficiency of water,
fertilizers, and pesticides and apply them accordingly. Efficient solar cells
can provide sufficient energy source.
Drinks fortified with nano food additives that help absorb vitamins in
malnourished people can save many lives. Besides offering many benefits,
nanomaterials became a big concern for developing countries too. Poor African
and Asian countries are exporters of many raw materials, like cotton, rubber,
platinum, and copper. Development of new
and less expensive nanomaterials will result in dramatically lower demand for
natural rubber. Synthetic rubber and various nanofibers and aerogels are used
more often to replace or enhance traditional rubber. Platinum, traditionally
used in catalytic converters in exhaust pipes, batteries and fuel cells, and
copper wires are replaced by carbon nanotubes.
Cotton is used less, as textile industry takes advantage more often of
materials enhanced with nanofibers that make fabrics lighter, more durable,
drying faster, and not fading. Developing countries face lower demand on their
main export goods. Their mining industry and agriculture might suffer and this
could add another difficulty to already struggling nations. Should the United
States, Japan, and other nations leading in nanotechnology make an effort and
involve the developing countries in their plans for research and development of
nanomaterials in the future? More
information about the impact of nanotechnology on developing countries could be
found at http://www.etcgroup.org/upload/publication/45/01/southcentre.commodities.pdf.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I doubt any developed country will ever hold back what technology it has at its disposal to prop up the economy of a developing nation. If anything we could move some of the nano material making process to their country to aid their economy. Probably not all of the process could be done there, but it's better than cutting them out. Not only will it bring some money to their economy, but it can show them how to produce some of their own nano materials for their uses. I'm sure American companies would support this because they are always trying to send things over seas because of cheaper labor costs and such.
ReplyDeleteI think that well-developed countries should, as you said install some processing factories, especially in Africa. Before that, I think, they should invest some money in educating future partners about nanotechnology and nanomaterials. To make them more interested in the process, well-developed countries should come forward and provide some of the nanomaterials that would make everyday life for really poor people easier.
DeleteI believe that the use of nanotechnology in developing countries is an excellent idea and that already developed countries should definitely look more into the implementation of it. I also believe that before this happens we must look deeper into the possible negative effects of this new technology. Although this seems to be a great idea from afar, we must realize that not only good will come from this. You included that developing countries mining and agriculture industry might suffer, but what about the health of those living there? If you read page 13 it talks about some of the possible health issues. The reason that nano particles pose a risk to our health is because when particles are reduced to nano scale, they have a larger surface area which can cause them to be more chemically reactive. The main risks mentioned revolve around tissue damage and growth of tumors, but nano particles are also so dangerous because they can elude the body's immune system and penetrate cell membranes. Risks associated with this include brain, lung and heart damage and blood clotting. Also, it is said that at even very low concentrations, nano particles can harm soil bacteria so researchers are concerned how this will interact with natural ecosystems. It is stated that these effects may be mitigated by controlling surface chemistry or coating the nano particles in a protective substance, but these ideas are not guaranteed to work. This technology may be extremely helpful in the future, but the negative effects must be controlled before we can seriously consider using it in second and third world countries.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that nanotechnology and the development of nanomaterials brings many benefits that should be shared with suffering nations. Nanomaterials changed the way other materials and devices are being made today and will be made in the future. However, nanomaterials created also many concerns. Some of them are safety, intrusion of privacy, and health and environmental hazards. This post is my third in a series about nanotechnology and related issues. Earlier, I posted two blogs that addressed some of them. Please, check “Nanotechnology and nanomaterials” and “Health and nanomaterials” to see what I had in mind and how other people responded to it.
DeleteMy personal opinion is that we should proceed carefully. Every time we find a potential new "widget" that will improve our lives and those of our fellows around the world, we jump on ship and go all out toward full implementation. While I think we can overdo the caution too, it's a fine line between helping others and putting them at risk.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, a lot of U.S. manufacturers leave the country to do their manufacturing because of the cheaper labor and relaxed safety and environmental protecton measures. When is our responsibility for the global society (inlcuding animals and the earth itself) take priority?
Just some thoughts!
I think the nations leading in nanotechnology should make an effort and involve the developing countries in their plans for research and development of nanomaterials in the future. With that effort, it will help the developing countries educate their own people to understand the new material fully and make some other options on the lower demand on their main export goods.
ReplyDelete