By Casey Webb

Introduction  The environment is our home.  Nanotechnology is a term surrounding nanoscale science, engineering and technology (Sargent, 2011).  Nanotechnology is thought to bring significant social and economic benefits.  However, there are many researches who believe there are potential environmental, health and safety repercussions (Zhang, Misak, Dhanasekaran & Asmatulu, 2012).  Positive – To create environmentally friendly products.  Negative – Fear of the unknown

Positives  Nanomaterials have the potential to enhance the environment.  Nanomaterials are used to design cleaner industrial processes and to detect, prevent and remove pollutants.  Efficiency of lighting, heating, electrical storage capacity.  Reduced the amount of pollution from the consumption of energy (Sargent,2011)

Positives Nanotechnology has helped provide solutions for:  Pollution, energy consumptions and greenhouse gasses  The ability to identify and remove pollution.  Reduce the amount of waste  More efficient solar cells  Elimination of greenhouse gasses and other pollutants  Reduced amount of industrial plant usage (Rickerby & Morrison, 2012)

Examples Hydrogen car (“Nanoeverything, (Nanotechnology).” 2013) Cracking Cellulose (“Nanoeverything, (Nanotechnology).” 2013 ) Batteries (“Nanoeverything, (Nanotechnology).” 2013) Water(“Nanoeverything, (Nanotechnology).” 2013) Fuel Cell Water Treatment Cracking Cellulose Batteries

 Nanotechnology is a relatively new concept.  It is difficult to predict the damages.  Nanoparticles may be accumulated into the environment.  Nanoparticles may be ingested by fish.  It is vital know whether or not Nanomaterials are harmful or not. Fear of the Unknown (Wenning, 2013)

Conclusion  Even though the risks are evident in nanotechnology it has the potential to deliver important benefits.  Thankyou for listening.

References Nanoeverything (Nanotechnology). [2013]. Retrieved from Rickerby, D. G., & Morrison, M.( 2012). Nanotechnology and the environment: A European perspective. Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, 8 (1 – 2), 19 – 24. Sargent, J. F. (2011). Nanotechnology and environmental health and safety. Issues for consideration. Congressional Research Service, 17(3), 537 – 570. Wenning, R. (2013). Nanotechnology and the environment: Integrated environmental assessment management, Nanotechnology, 5(2), 360 – 365. Zhang, B., Misak, H., Dhanasekaran,P. S., & Asmatulu, R. (2012). Environmental impacts of nanotechnology and its products. Department of Engineering Technology, 48(4), 210 – 214.