Nanotechnology can be a controversial topic. There are numerous reports that are published showing that a specific nanomaterial (pick your favorite one) is beneficial or is harmful and dangerous. The editorial cartoon by Gary Markstein on coffee readily applies to the current state of nanotechnology. Just substitute your favorite material in the place of the word coffee.
So what is the truth? One must realize that there are many ways to approach an evaluation of the results of scientific study. Without scientific results, one only has speculation and projections by interested parties. Reported “scientific” findings that do not contain data are suspect. (In a future blog, we will consider the corruption of scientific research.) The purpose of publishing scientific experiments and results is so that others can replicate the experiment and validate the results. The purpose of including data is so that people can understand the significance of the results. A statement that carbon nanotubes have shown effects similar to asbestos in reacting with lung tissue without providing data will cause a reaction to “do something” immediately. Adding the fact that the carbon nanotubes were made to be extra-long and applied in a very great concentration that would not normally be encountered does not create the same urgency.
The British Royal Society of Chemistry states: “While there is no such thing as a safe chemical, it must be realized there is no chemical that cannot be used safely by limiting the dose or exposure. Poisons can be safely used and be of benefit to society when used appropriately.“ So our approach to development and applications of nanomaterials should also be one of caution, but the results need to be truthful.
