Nanotechnology on the Scale of Molecules - Essay Example

It represents the manufacturing system which has the ability to make enough manufacturing systems implying factories can be built rapidly, cleanly, and cheaply. This enables means of production to reproduce exponentially so that in just a few weeks few nano factories conceivably can become billions. Nanotechnology offers great potential for benefit to humankind, and also brings severe dangers. While it is appropriate to examine carefully the risks and possible toxicity of nanoparticles and other products of nanoscale technology, the greatest hazards are posed by malicious or unwise use of molecular manufacturing.

CRNs focus is on designing and promoting mechanisms for safe development and administration of MM effectively. This technology is suspected to cause cancer. Nanoparticles are tiny enough to penetrate cell membranes and defenses and they are able to cause problems by interfering with normal cell processes. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts record that such nanoparticles are presently in use in cosmetics, electronics, and chemical manufacturing, and other industries. Pacheco and her colleagues examined how two different types of nanoparticles could damage DNA in the MCF-7 line of the breast cancer cells.

They looked at the genotoxicity of silica and C60 fullerene nanoparticles suspensions by the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay. According to the CDC website, NIOSH recommends hazard surveillance for engineered nanoparticles as an essential component of any occupational health surveillance effort and is used for defining the elements of the risk management program (Johnson 98).Nanotechnology can have the potential to cause great damage to our health and the environment despite its usefulness and its amazing properties.

The entry of man-made nanoparticles in daily products is developing concerns that overexposure to any forms of nanotechnology may result in toxicity and disease. Nanotechnologies can be possibly harmful and NIOSH gave an extensive list of standards and precautions related to such, it is vital to note that research is ongoing and researchers are continuing to monitor and evaluate risks to workers and the public alike (Langwith 143). According to the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research using the exposure modeling assessment, the maximum internal dose of nanoparticulate cerium oxide that could potentially be inhaled from the atmosphere was calculated to be 4x10-7cm2/cm2.

The estimated internal lung dose in humans is, therefore, 7x107 times lower than the highest dose resulting in no effects in vitro (NOEL). Toxicity is mainly a concern via the pulmonary system with ultrafine-engineered nano-particles, inhaled via the mouth or nose into the lungs; risks of cancer and cardiovascular dysfunctions are currently documented. No Observed Effect Level (NOEL): The largest amount of a substance which causes no adverse changes in morphology, functional capacity, growth, development or life span in the test organisms compared with those observed in control organisms under the same conditions.

The biggest challenges that industrial hygienists face with regards to nanotechnology are assessing and minimizing hazards and risks, measuring safe dosage and exposure levels, and controlling the manufacturing and distributions of nanoparticles (Johnson 116).