Nanotechnology: societal and environmental impact.

1. Linda L. Williford Pifer, Ph.D.,SM(ASCP), GS(ABB)[⇑][1] 1. University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163 2. Kathleen Kenwright, MS, MT,MP(ASCP) SI 1. University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163 1. Address for Correspondence: Linda L. Williford Pifer, Ph.D.,SM(ASCP), GS(ABB) , Professor of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 930 Madison Avenue, Suite 672, Memphis, TN, 38163, 901-448-6338., lpifer{at}uthsc.edu 1. Relate how nanotechnology and its advent have impacted our views of the future. 2. Explain environmental concerns about nanotechnology. 3. Address environmental protection issues, and regulatory agencies that are responsible. 4. Describe how nanotechnology is evident in our present society and where it can go in the future. 5. Summarize the changes that are coming, as a result of nanotechnology. Overview of Nanotechnology and Society V. Colvin, Director of the Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology at Rice University made the following statement about nanoparticles: “It is a mistake for someone to say nanoparticles are safe, and it is a mistake to say nanoparticles are dangerous. They are probably going to be somewhere in the middle. And it will depend very much on the specifics”.1 Another phenomenon-defining quote is from Dr. Alexandra Navrotsky, who is the director of the Nanomaterials in the Environment, Agriculture and Technology Organized Research Unit (NEAT ORU) at the University of California at Davis: “Nanoparticles are everywhere. You eat them, drink them, breathe them, pay to have them, and pay even more to get rid of them”.2 Having addressed this issue, where do we go from here? The answer is, go to the scientific literature and determine what is proven, unproven and what is just speculative. In the following paragraphs, we will travel back and forward in time to establish the foundations of what we presently know about nanotechnology, and where it will probably project us into the future. We must review the past to expound upon where we are at present with this astounding new technology. We will objectively address the “doomsayers” and the optimists. Role of Nanotechnology in Combating Societal and Environmental “Collapse” In October, 2009, Sanchez (Columbia University) stated that “…the world population will reach a level of consumption that is unsustainable with the current amount of natural resources available…”.3 Is this a… ABBREVIATIONS: EPA= Environmental Protection Agency; HEPA = High Efficiency Particulate Attenuator; MIT= Massachusetts Institute of Technology; MSDS= material safety data sheets; NMSP= Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program; CSIRO= Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organisation 1. Relate how nanotechnology and its advent have impacted our views of the future. 2. Explain environmental concerns about nanotechnology. 3. Address environmental protection issues, and regulatory agencies that are responsible. 4. Describe how nanotechnology is evident in our present society and where it can go in the future. 5. Summarize the changes that are coming, as a result of nanotechnology. [1]: #corresp-1