Nanotechnology Used in Electronic Devices: Safe or Hazardous?

Is nanotechnology going to improve the future of electronics in way that is safe to the public? A journal dedicated to nanotechnology recently polled American households for answers.

The survey consisted of both public citizens and a group of 363 leading scientists from the United States. The study confirmed that while the U.S. public was largely not concerned with the possible health effects of nanotechnology used in electronics, the scientists were concerned about possible health and environmental implications. (Source: presscue.com) The study did not mention any health or environmental hazards in particular.

Nanotechnology is currently being implemented in a variety of applications including electronics. In the electronics field, it's being used to improve the displays on cell phones, GPS units, laptops, and other similar devices. Currently, nanotechnology is used by chip manufacturers to reduce size and increase capacities. A simple rule of thumb is that: the smaller the chip, the less heat it produces when the device is powered on, and the less power required to complete its function. With less chips to produce, the manufacturer can save money on costs and then pass this onto the consumer. (Source: understandingnano.com)

The study showed that 30% of scientists thought that human health may be at risk with nanotechnology, while only 20% of the public surveyed expressed concern over this issue. (Source: presscue.com)

Experts say that because nanoparticles are so small, they can be transported into the human body more easily. These same particles can also effect the environment in new ways that aren't yet known to be safe. For instance, a material such as Carbon is safe, but when it's shrunk down to a nanoparticle, it becomes toxic to humans. Scientists seem to agree that it's not easy to predict how a substance will behave when it's broken down into extremely small particles. (Source: economist.com)

Government agencies such as the FDA, EPA, and the Department of Energy are currently studying the effects of various nano-derived consumer products such as food, sun-screen, and electronic devices. For example, studies currently being conducted by the EPA are testing possible adverse effects of exposure to carbon-based nanomaterials like the ones in new environmentally-friendly fuel. (Source: earthsky.org)

The use of nanotechnology is already being used to manufacturer many of the electronics currently on the market today. Computers, cell phones, and gaming consoles are all getting smaller in size and more efficient thanks to this technology. The question seems to be, though, is this new revolution harmful in the long run?