Nanotechnology for Novices

I saw an article reporting that nanoparticles of silver may inactivate the HIV virus. Well, I didn't know how small a nanoparticle was so I searched the web and found some facts. The dictionary defines nanoparticle as "a microscopic particle whose size is measured in nanometers," and a nanometer is a billionth of a meter.

I found a FAQ on nanotechnology at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech/faq.html. It's actually pretty interesting. For instance, it says:

Nanoscale titanium dioxide for instance is finding uses in cosmetics, sun block creams and self-cleaning windows, and nanoscale silica is being used as a filler in a range of products, including dental fillings. Recently, a number of new or “improved” consumer products using nanotechnology have entered the market (such as stain and wrinkle-free fabrics incorporating "nanowhiskers"..

The FAQ continues with concerns about the mostly-unknown possible hazards for workers in plants where nanoparticles are used. More information on products using nanoscale materials can be read at www.nano.gov/html/facts/appsprod.html. I had no idea that this technology had become so important.

A British magazine on workplace hazards summarizes ongoing work on health risks of nanoparticles at www.hazards.org/nanotech. Looks like nanotechnology may cause some diseases AND cure other disease. Environmental Defense writes about it as a "double-edged sword" at www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?ContentID=4449