Tiny Technology Generates Mega Controversy

Today in industry, as well as in politics, there is an evolving new "buzz word." And that term is Nanotechnology. Yesterday, Fox news on line carried an AP article heralding Berkley California's city council as leading the way to a very needed address of potential hazards attached to this most special field of science and industry. Further, and perhaps a tad trite but still true, where goes California, so goes the nation and global community. But, what does the average consumer need to understand about this baby branch of science? And, where else can they look for any needed additional information on it? Finally, are there dangers and risks associated with its use; then If so, what is, or should be done to best manage these?

First, and pertinent to its impetus upon the average consumer, Medical News Today's on-line publication posted a piece yesterday listing research and development expenditures by venture capitalists, corporations and governments as having already reached $9.6 billion per annum. They also predict an estimated 15 % of the total manufactured products across the globe will, in actuality, utilize this technology within the upcoming decade, or around $2.6 trillion in U.S. currency. Wow! But, if Berkley is endeavoring to governmentally regulate the thing, then, what do leading experts have to say about safety ramifications for the general public?