Nanotech Gone Awry? 173
westcoaster004 writes "Chemical and Engineering News is reporting what appears to be 'the first recall of a nanotechnology-based product' due to health risks associated with it. The recall of 'Magic Nano' spray, which is for use on glass and ceramic surfaces to make them repel dirt and water, comes after at least 77 people in Germany contacted regional poison control centers after experiencing illness after using the product. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has also issued a warning." Relatedly dolphin558 writes "There is an interesting story in the Washington Post on the unknown dangers facing employees of nanotechnology firms. The jury is still out on whether traditional HAZMAT safeguards are suitable when handling nanomaterials, many of which can be harmful. Research into potential workplace hazards is beginning to ramp up as the industry and government become more aware of this issue."
Nanotech? (Score:5, Interesting)
Comment removed (Score:2, Interesting)
Will Nano particles become the next asbestos? (Score:2, Interesting)
I like the principle of nano tech, especially in embedded applications (like within a ceramic chip casing) but spraying it around just screams of stupidity.
People should just clean their windows manually, a good cloth can be found here [ubuntu.com].
Nanotech = negative image (Score:5, Interesting)
We aren't even nearly at the stage of nanomachines ("grey goop"), yet I imagine the public is beginning to feel that everything with the nano-prefix is dangerous. Soon companies and scientists will start using other words to describe the technology. This is fine with me - I actually think that a lot of "nanotechnology" could be better described with other words (same with AI).
Re:could be very good... (Score:1, Interesting)
One of the problems with the regulation of nano technology here in the UK is that when a product is deamed to be safe no new procedures have to be gone through in order to use the same product on a nano scale
If it's at a completely different scale, manufactured in a different way, and acts in a different way, then it's not the same product, is it?
PS: it's "deemed", not "deamed".
Re:Nanotech bounding forth with no safety concerns (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Nanotech? (Score:4, Interesting)
Aaah, definition games. Fun.
Re:Nanotech? (Score:5, Interesting)
It's claimed to have nano-sized particles of silica and silicone suspended in ethanol and water. Silicone is known to be a mild dermal irritant, so I'd guess the illness is a result of silicone inhalation.
The nanotech aspect may be relevant in that the small particle size would allow the spray to bypass the body's protection mechanisms and directly affect the alveoli. That would be consistent with the symptoms described. It's drawing a long bow to call it a nanotech hazard though.
Re:Nanotech? (Score:4, Interesting)
Yes, but it is not a function of nano technology. Any respirable particle (one which is small enough to enter the alveoli) will have similar consequences. That includes things like grain dust, silica, asbestos, metal fume from welding - the whole pantheon of existing nano sized, but not nano tech toxins.
That's why we need space colonisation (Score:2, Interesting)
I'm serious. Sooner or later man will begin experimenting with technology where there is a real danger of unforeseen cascade effects accidentally destroying all life on Earth. If we're lucky the fatal accident will not happen, but I think the *risk* is unavoidable.
We're not at that technological point yet, but we're only getting closer. At least, we should make sure that if something goes badly humanity will not be completely wiped out.
Re:Nanotech? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:could be very good... (Score:3, Interesting)
It's unfortunate that a LOT more thought doesn't go into products that incorporate nanoscale particles. They probably shouldn't be in home use at all at this point. Many perfectly harmless products can become MUCH more harmful in the form of nano-particles. Further, typical masks and respirators aren't much help for particles that small. Certainly the filters used typically in a central heating/air system won't help.
Nano particles have a way of getting much deeper into a person than conventional aerosols. The conventional aerosol might penetrate a bit into the lung and be eliminated more or less harmlessly while the nanoparticles go right into the bloodstream and into all of the tissues including the brain. There are a lot of products that are definatly not non-toxic but may be used almost as if they were simply because no significant amount normally enters your system.
Possible dangers of nanoparticles (Score:2, Interesting)
http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-8350-f0.cfm5 847,318,p1.html
http://www.technologyreview.com/Materials/wtr_1