Future of Nanotechnology Clouded by Potential Link to Mesothelioma

Nanotechnology is an emerging industry that involves the engineering of items on a molecular level. For years now, experts have been heralding the science as a field with enormous promise. Considerable advancements in nanotechnology have already been made, and nanotech products can already be found in many consumer products, including food, makeup and other products.

Though new nanotech insights and discoveries are being made nearly everyday, a number of consumer and health groups are wary of these new engineered products. The debate was highlighted last week at an Australian Parliament House panel discussion. The discussion was convened to talk about the concerns of nanotechnology openly with the public so that eventual laws pertaining to the products could be made.

One of the most disturbing concerns of nanotechnology is the fact that the use of nanotech foods and other products may lead to mesothelioma. In previous studies, it was found that nanotubes (particles manufactured through nanotechnology) acted similarly to asbestos fibers inside laboratory animals and could eventually lead to mesothelioma.

Since asbestos was linked to mesothelioma in 1960, great steps have been taken to limit exposure. Only now are annual mesothelioma cases starting to decline. Certainly, it would be unfortunate to approve potentially hazardous nanotechnology products to the public - a re-proliferation of this once-rare cancer should be avoided if at all possible.

Due to the sheer amount of money being pumped into nanotechnology (presently about $32 billion globally), other countries would be wise to follow the cautious nature of the Australian government. Based partly on the recent Parliament panel discussion and consumer feedback, the country's food regulatory body, FSANZ, is presently reviewing all available data and working towards formulating regulations regarding these exciting, yet largely untested nanotech products.

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