Any significant scientific advance or technological innovation carries with risk with it. K. Eric Drexler in his 1986 book, 'Engines of Creation' (1987), posited the possibility that nanoassemblers (as he called them), atomic and molecular devices that replicate, could become uncontrollable and wreak devastation as they consume every atom and molecule on the planet. Interestingly, despite the fury of the criticism from his colleagues, Drexler’s ‘nanoassemblers gone wild’ hypothesis, which is sometimes known as the ‘grey goo’ scenario^[1], has not been altogether dismissed.^[2].However, current understanding of matter at the nanoscale is not sufficient to create anything close to Drexler’s nanoassemblers or nanobots as they’re sometimes called. (For a partial listing of books, stories, movies, and tv shows about nanotechnology risks, many of which feature a 'goo' or 'nanobots gone wild' scenario, under Jump joints, click on Storytellers create nano.)

More current risk concerns centre on 'long' carbon nanotubes. A recent pilot study conducted on mice suggests that 'long' carbon nanotubes have an impact similar to asbestos which when inhaled can lead to mesothelioma (cancer of the lining to the lung).^[3]

Andrew Maynard (one of the 'long' carbon nanotube study authors) discusses another risk, the accumulation of nanoparticles in the brain, in his video presentation, 'The Twinkie Guide to Nanotechnology', for the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (a not-for-profit agency funded by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Pew Charitable Trusts). (For more about the presentation, under Jump joints, click on Scientists eat junk food. To see the presentation, under Leaving the mysteries, click on Dr. Andrew Maynard's Twinkie Guide to Nanotechnology.)

Activists such as Friends of the Earth are also amassing information about food products and food packaging that utilize nanotechnology and could pose risks. At this point, the writing seems alarmist but their research information^[4] seems solid and they do have a point when you consider some of the extreme elements of the business community who view investment in nanotechnology as risky due to intellectual property issues and to "regulators [taking] a cautious line in testing new products for use in humans."^[5] (For more about the Friends of the Earth report on nanotechnology and food, under Leaving the Mysteries, click on Friends of the Earth 'Out of the Laboratory and on to Our Plates' report.) 

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Jump back

Can you hear me Nano Tech

Jump joints

Scientists eat junk food

Storytellers create nano

Leaving the mysteries

Dr. Andrew Maynard's Twinkie Guide to Nanotechnology 

Friends of the Earth 'Out of the Laboratory and on to Our Plates' report