Potential environmental and health benefits of nanotechnology (original) (raw)

2010, Journal of Materials Science and Engineering

Abstract

Nanotechnology is concerned with manipulating matter to near atomic scales between one and 100 nanometers. This technology has recently gained popularity due to its potential in altering the behaviour of individual molecules and opened the door to new applications. Many researchers have pinpointed the potential risk of nanotechnology on the environment and on human health. This is due to the fact that the extremely small nanoparticles can penetrate easily into human cells. However, this technology, when used properly, has also a great potential to positively impact the environment and improve the state of human health. This paper aims at determining well-researched ways in which this new technology can benefit the environment and the state of human health through an extensive literature review. Results of the review show that nanotechnology, when used properly, has tremendous potential benefits to the environment and human health in many ways. For example, on the environmental front, nanotechnology is found to reduce pollution when silica containing nanocomposite emulsion is added to paint, reduce toxic exhaust emission gases when cerium oxide nanoparticles are used as catalyst, control air pollution by transforming CO into CO 2 which is much less toxic and improve functionalities and reduce toxic emissions in motor vehicles. Similarly, nanotechnology looks very promising in the health field. Nanotechnology has a great potential in enhancing human health. Since nanoparticles can pass more easily through cellular membranes, this allows delivering drugs to sick cells more easily with less damage to adjacent healthy cells than conventional methods. Due to their superior benefits, nano-based medical products are already used in heart valves, drug-delivery systems, wound dressings (with nanosilver coating) and imaging techniques. In light of the results, a roadmap for future research into possible beneficial effects of this technology on the environment and human health is presented.

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