Nanotechnology - What is nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology - Possible negative future scenarios
If you look at the current uses of nanotechnology and the potential future uses of nanotechnology the near future looks to be an idyllic time with the eradication of disease, poverty, famine and pollution, however some science fiction writers and philosophers have predicted other possible nanotechnology futures that are far from idyllic such as the phenomena of "grey goo".

The idea of "grey goo" is that self-replicating nanorobots are able to uncontrollably replicate in a natural environment thus turning the Earth into a "grey goo". The idea of "grey goo" was first proposed by Dr. K. Eric Drexler in 1986 in his book Engines of Creation. Potentially devastating problems such as this caused by the development of nanotechnology mean that strict guidelines must be adhered to in order to protect humanity from the misuse of nanotechnology. An example of some nanotechnology guidelines (drawn up by the Foresight Institute) can be viewed here "Assumptions, principles, and some recommendations intended to provide a basis for responsible development of molecular nanotechnology". By adhering to guidelines such as these the phenomena of "grey goo" could only occur as the result of a deliberate and difficult act, effectively nanoterrorism. The most likely negative effect of the use of nanotechnology is probably the development of nanoweapons. Drexler and Phoenix (Director of Research at the Centre for Responsible Nanotechnology, CRN) published a paper in the journal Nanotechnology warning that the fear of runaway self-replicating nanomachines would divert attention away from other more likely negative effects of nanotechnology. They stated that "a large-scale and convenient manufacturing capacity could be used to make incredibly powerful non-replicating weapons in unprecedented quantity. This could lead to an unstable arms race and a devastating war." More information can be viewed on the Foresight Institute website.

With regard to non-replicating nanotechnology applications causing environmental and health problems the American Council for the United Nations University (ACUNU) put together a panel to investigate the "Potential Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards Resulting from Possible Military Uses of Nanotechnology," along with "Implications for Research Priorities Helpful to Prevent and/or Reduce Such Pollution and Hazards."

The final report highlighted several "potential military uses of nanotechnology that might occur between 2005–2010" with "potential for causing health hazards or environmental pollution" including:

Nanomaterials (e.g., nanotubes) in uniforms and equipment that could break off and enter the body and environment.

Nanoparticles as surface coatings that may erode and be inhaled by military staff and the general population.

For the period between 2010 to 2025 the potential uses and hazards according to the report include:

Artificial blood cells (respirocytes) injected to enhance human athletic performance could cause overheating of the body, bio-breakdowns, and their excretion could add to the environmental load.

Large quantities of smart weapons with intelligent, target-seeking ammunition could lead to unexpected injury to combatants and civilians, destruction to infrastructure, and environmental pollution.

Nanoreceptor-enhancers designed to increase alertness and reduce reaction time could be addictive and cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

By 2011 the nanotechnology market could hit the US$1 trillion mark and so the possible negative effects of nanotechnology, such as those mentioned, could easily be overlooked. The problems of health vs. wealth were summed up in a March 2004 paper prepared for the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) in the UK. The Health and Safety Executive's chief scientist, Paul Davies, wrote: "In the absence of complete and robust evidence of the risks HSC/E must work with stakeholders to promote and assure risk management of this technology without unnecessarily stifling innovation and wealth creation." For an organization whose duties are the protection of health and the promotion of safety in the workplace to be discussing wealth creation shows how difficult the situation is. It is therefore doubtful that the lessons of the past such as the effects of tobacco, asbestos and Thalidomide will be learnt.