Portfolio 4 and 5

This post is based on the roundtable discussion held on 5th March, 2009. Our discussion was based on whether there is a need to regulate nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is that  realm of science that deals with particles which are so small that they cannot been seen by naked eye. The particles are measured in nanometers, which is a hundred thousand times the width of a human hair. The advent of nanotechnology brings with it limitless possibilities that mankind could have only dreamt of. Though it has its positive uses, it also has certain side effects which brings in the need to regulate this technology.

Use of nanotechnology in the cosmetic industry has sparked concerns on the human health. The proponents state that the use of this technology for cosmetic purposes can literally change a "beggar to a prince". Skin products coupled with nano particles, improve its efficiency and also make them more eye-catching. Though this might be true, the health risks posed by them cannot be neglected. The proponent's view about this was that large scale production of such cosmetics would be of great advantage and that it would pose no harm. This fact is not true since Britan's Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering have clearly found that these microscopic particles behave in an unpredictable way, causing skin problems and other disorders. This calls for regulation of cosmetics containg nano particles. Regulation should be in the form of banning those products which are known to be toxic and allowing only those which are found to be hazard-free. 

Apart from cosmetics, the use of nanotechnology in electronics is gaining importance. By altering the microscopic configuration of materials, we can create new materials which are much stronger than steel but much lighter than it. The proponents argued that, if any regulation was imposed on this technology, the developments in the cellphone industries and computer industries would come to a stand still. Our reply to this was that though developments may seem to come to a stop, in reality it would not happen. This is because the regulation of this technology will be implemented in such a way that it does not affect the development of the industries. The products should be thoroughly scrutinized for any harful effects and only then released to the public. This would not only ensure public health and safety but also contribute towards the development of the technology.

While nanotechnology would bring about benefits for mankind, care must be taken to mitigate, if not prevent, any negative consequences. This invention ought to improve our life, and not create more problems for us. In order to prevent nanotechnology from straying from its original objective, government regulation must be grounded appropriately.