mark, you do some sort of research with marketing? you should know about this, it's a huge issue in global economics right now, correct?
what can you tell me about nanotech? this is what i'm thinking right now:
Nanoparticles are being used in American Elements' sunscreen, Eddie Bauer's stain resistant fabrics, and Toyota's bumpers. Over and over and over again, I'm seeing the same thing which is that no one knows what the long term effects of these particles is. The biggest issue is the surface volume, and I've read several reports stating that because of the difference in the surface volume at the nano level the element is likely to have a different and in many cases, more detrimental effect than the same element at a larger size.
Many have been saying, well, we already ingest nanoparticles, but I'm not talking about the nanoparticles that we already ingest, that's completely different and a completely different issue from the new ones that corporations are now making; these things didn't exist before and there was absolutely no need or demand for them; now we are going to create a need and a demand, ie a market for something that is potentially very harmful. I'm talking about those that we are now going to be creating; these are the ones that are going into products that will touch the skin of our children, in particular, khaki pants, sunscreen, and bandages, (products that are now being made, yet a few years ago, we didn't need and could have lived happily without).
My biggest concern is, if we do not know the effects and if they are likely to be more detrimental because of the size of the particle why are there products on the market already? And why is it being hyped at a science museum for children when a lot of adults do not even know what it's going to do to their children?
I'll tell you what my guess is:
“Scientists and politicians share the same opinion: nanotechnology has enormous economic potential worldwide, estimated at about one trillion US dollars during the next decadeâ€