Nanotechnology

13 Nanotechnology and Nanoparticle Toxicity:

A Case for Precaution

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C. Vyvyan Howard and December S. K. Ikah

Introduction

The term ‘nanotechnology’ is a catch-all for a large array of enabling technologies. Many of the activities in the nanotechnology industry do not pose a direct threat to human or environmental health, for example the nanostructuring of surfaces of large objects such as window glass. There is little doubt that nanotechnology presents possibilities for many benefits. Some future developments, for example in the nano-bio-technology arena, have the potential to impact upon human and environmental health, and this may emerge in the not too distant future. However, there is at least one current aspect of activity ...