Nanotechnology-Size matters - public opinion doesn

[smartip]

Size matters - public opinion doesn’t.

The release last month of a Federal Government discussion paper on the development of a national nanotechnology strategy created ‘nano ripples’ throughout the community – so small as to be imperceptible to the human eye.

Nanotechnology is being heralded as the next industrial revolution, redefining life as we know it, but with only one month for public comment, the development of a national strategy to manage the most powerful and transformative technology in human history will involve less public participation than a development application to retrofit your local pub. Given the stakes, it is high time that we sat up and started paying attention to the way this technology is set to reshape our world – and in whose interests.

[andrew]

What you say is interesting but you have said nothing about the social implications of nano technogy. Therer are many people who are very concerned that some applications could have disastrous results for society. Is it Gods Will ?
For example, the fibres made by "improved" brake linings on cars can be absorbed into the body by respiration or even through the skin. There are even fears about items built from nano technogy which can be self replicationg getting out of control, the applications of the technology to weapons and so on.

Is the technology safe for humans in all cases? How can we asses this? If it is not safe how can society control the technology?Who has the power of decision, business or society in general?What part does democracy play?