"Nanotech: The Unknown Risks"

Taylor Matalon
Bass, Carole. “Nanotech: The Unknown Risks.” Yale E360, 23 June 2008, e360.yale.edu/features/nanotech_the_unknown_risks.

Before reading this article, I was aware of the growing popularity and ubiquitous use of nanotechnologies not only in medicine and environmental engineering, but also in an increasing amount of household products. I was not aware of the extent of the extreme health risks to both human users and various other ecosystems. I also learned about how involved governments were in the restriction, regulation, and funding of research within this field. For example, the US government spends over $1.5 billion on nanotech research each year. 

Nanotech is relevant to our class because it has a powerful and palpable potential to bring about new and cutting-edge sustainable technologies and environmental engineering projects. The article cites efficient and affordable solar panels as well as water filtration systems as projects that could benefit greatly from using nanotech. 

I think that nanotech should be continued to be researched, funded, and utilized, but like any other emerging technology, extensive testing should be done to ensure the safety and implications of such a technology. It is incredibly space and cost efficient, and if we can get it right, nanotech could usher in a new era of sustainable tech.