[Sadsack]

Why is nanotechnology of interest?

The unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials at the nanoscale enable novel applications and functions with the potential to promote enormous societal and economic benefits. Some current innovative applications of nanotechnology include the use of nanomaterials in liquid filtration and water purification, as catalysts in petroleum refining and catalytic converters, and in nanoscale biological imaging. In the near future of two to five years, nanotechnology will be integrated into advanced drug delivery systems, real-time medical diagnostic tools, sensors for airborne chemicals or other toxins, and photovoltaics (solar cells), fuel cells and portable power to provide inexpensive, clean energy.

The properties of materials at the nanoscale are attributed to two main factors. First, nanomaterials have a relatively larger surface area when compared to the same mass of material produced in a larger form. This can make materials more chemically reactive (in some cases materials that are inert in their larger form are reactive when produced in their nanoscale form), and affect their strength or electrical properties. Second, quantum effects can begin to dominate the behavior of matter at the nanoscale - particularly at the lower end of the scale affecting the optical, electrical and magnetic behavior of materials. The photo above shows an example of quantum dots. Particles of inorganic semiconducting crystals with nanometer scale dimensions ("quantum dots") exhibit size-dependent optical properties. In other words, the color of a cadmium-selenium (CdSE) quantum dot will vary depending on the quantum dot’s size, even though the chemical composition of the dot has not changed. Companies are investigating quantum dots to develop composite materials such as those used as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) where the color is determined by the size of the quantum dots. The superior optical properties of quantum dots are being studied for use in diode lasers, optical amplifiers and switches, biological sensors, and solid-state quantum computing.

The unique properties exhibited by nanomaterials for commercial applications also raise concerns regarding potential environmental and human impact of these materials. Scientists, regulators, and the public are asking the question: What do we know about the safety of nanotechnology and nanomaterials?



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why is DTSC interested in nanotechnology?

DTSC sees nanotechnology as the new “plastic” because it will show up in many industrial applications and consumer products. Materials and devices designed at the nanoscale level are being used or considered for use in applications as diverse as cancer treatment to scratch-resistance automotive coatings. Because of the unique properties of nanomaterials, DTSC is gathering information on nanotechnology and monitoring the efforts of other regulatory agencies about this emerging technology. DTSC sees a need to understand this industrial sector and its products. DTSC also wants to work with this emerging industrial sector to incorporate the benefits of "green chemistry" approaches, pollution prevention techniques, and sustainable manufacturing strategies to prevent potential adverse public health and environmental consequences. "High technologies" such as nuclear power, genetically modified organisms, and ever-smaller consumer electronics have begun to leave their legacy. The benefits of nuclear power in preventing global warming and genetically modified organisms in increased food production are obscured by public fear of perceived consequences. Consumer electronics, while providing entertainment and ease today, at the end of their service life produce an increasing burden of "e-waste" the heavy metals of which can cause harm in many ways. Nanotechnologies are diverse in form, substance, function, and promise. DTSC is working toward a partnership with this industrial sector to develop an industrial ecology of manufacturing to product stewardship approach that will protect public health and the environment. DTSC will also continue to explore the merits of pro-active industrial initiatives and traditional governmental regulatory approaches.

Thinking Big About Thinking Small An Action Agenda for California


As a starting point in this process, DTSC reviewed the December 2004 report issued by the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology addressed major areas of concern in promoting nanotechnology research and development, commercialization, facilities and infrastructure, policies and ethics, and education. The members of the Task Force came from many backgrounds including academia, government, corporate California, start-up and consulting firms, non-profit groups, and industry associations. Several recommendations called for CalEPA’s involvement in understanding and communicating the environmental, social, and even ethical implications of nanotechnology.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What are its current applications in industry?


Some examples of nanotechnology used in clothing are stain-resistant pants and shorts with built-in sunscreen.


Examples of agrifood research include developing bacterial pathogen detectors from nanochemicals for use post-harvest.
Some examples of nanotechnology used in clothing are stain-resistant pants and shorts with built-in sunscreen. Examples of agrifood research include developing bacterial pathogen detectors from nanochemicals for use post-harvest. Most science and technology experts consider nanotechnology to be an industrial revolution on the horizon that will have an enormous social and economic impact. However, currently the applied use of nanomaterials and nanotechnology is limited, except in the electronics and information technology industries, where semiconductor devices with a certain minimum feature size have been at the nanoscale for several decades. Companies have introduced nanotechnology in several consumer products such as cosmetics, food and clothing. The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars developed searchable databases listing the uses of nanotechnology in consumer products and the research being conducted on agrifood (e.g., food, agriculture, forestry, and agroecosystems). Other applications include new detection systems, filtration media, and electronic chip design.