| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| cab |
Risk from nanotubes?Thoughts?http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7408705.stm |
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| JB |
Listening to that on Radio 4 this morning it seemed to a be a bit of a non issue. Yes there is a possibility that nanotubes may cause an effect which is similar to that of asbestos. However while asbestos can be airborne nanotubes are not likely to be so the risk of exposure to the lungs is in no way comparable. | ||||
| RichardW |
I like the way they say that these tubes hold the key to the future but then say
Hardly cutting edge stuff that will change the world. Justme |
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| cab |
Indeed, but also high volume applications that make the technology to use nanotubes for high value low volume applications more readily attainable. Nanotechnology is interesting. Its had some battles fought over it already, and there will be many more. Is this one of them? |
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| dpack |
asbestos was known to be lethal in antiquity and through the industrial age the effects on workers were well known and deliberately suppressed .it is possible to use asbestos safely but such materials need specific methods of use and control of risk
it seems sensible to trial nanotubes and use them with open knowledge of their properties and risks |
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| cab |
Can't dispute any of that at all. Seems totally sensible to me. People will be scared, because this is new, and there will be fuss and panic, because its new. Is there a way of pre-empting that to get open and reasoned discussion of the possible risks without arousing hostility to what is a new and promising area? |
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| Brownbear |
Being honest about risks seems the best way. 'There may be a danger from these things so we'll investigate it and then publish the data, along with recommended safety precautions' from the HSE ought to do it. The very worst thing to do is if anyone were to rush out announcements saying that it's perfectly safe and anyone who says otherwise is scaremongering. I heard the report on Radio 4 this morning and it was perfectly balanced and in no way sensationalist. The chap who did the research said there may be some risks, but then again perhaps not really. |
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| vegplot |
I was under the impression that technology such as nanotubes were on the molecular level and tighly bound, whereas asbestos fibres are on the macro level and loosely bound. | ||||
| cab |
Depends really, I was recently given a sample of carbon nanotubes. Its a really crude sample, its basically like little black balls that have some powdery stuff if you really shake it up. Certain preparations can be really fine, others are rather chunky and bound up. |
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| gnome |
it's not really the same thing. the dangers of asbestos were well known for years before anything was done about it - the industries just wanted to make quick easy money, and to hell with the consequencies. it was mainly people employed in the production of asbestos products, and those employed in the removal of them who suffered, and that is because back then there was no duty of care on their employers to ensure they were protected. asbestos is structurally unstable - it degrades esily and releases a fine dust of asbestos fibres.
Now that it is known there is a potential problem, any manufacturer will have to ensure that handlers are suitably protected from exposure. it would probably be covered by COSHH regulations. |