Link: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080914/nanoparticle_controversy_080914/20080914?hub=Health&s_name=
Summary
Nanotechnology has just recently been announced to help produce the next generation of products. So what exactly are these nanotechnologies? Basically, they are tiny particles in forms of silver, gold, carbon, and even bamboo that are shrunken down to extreme sizes. The plan is to use these tiny particles as an extra ingredient to a variety of new products, such as scratch-resistant paint, golf balls that can go farther and medications that can destroy cancer cells. Also, they plan to incorporate these particles into clothing, which are capable of killing odors (GREAT FOR YOU SWEATY PEOPLE OUT THERE). Scientists are still studying this new nanotechnology to ensure that it is safe for consumers. For now, it still poses a risk to the environment and to the human health due to its toxic materials.
Introductory Concept: Opportunity Cost
Since “nanotechnology” has been brought up, many have been wondering what are the benefits. This new technology allows companies to inject a new generation of substances into new products, making it more beneficial than before. An example stated in the article would be the clothing people wear. With the new nanotechnology, clothing would have the ability to absorb and kill odor at the same time. This may sound appealing, but what is it sacrificing? What is the opportunity cost? Study show that the nanoparticles can cause damage to our environment and to our bodies when they leak out of products. This is a major issue today because of the green house affects. Ever since the green house gas effect has been brought up, people are changing their lifestyles to become more environmentally friendly. Not only that, but it can also cause damage to our bodies, due to the toxic materials that may leak onto our skin. The cost of damaging our body is much more costly than purchasing clothing that may harm us. If particles did leak onto our skin, we would need to pay for medical treatments to cure ourselves. As you can see, the cost of product alone may end up cost of product+ risk + injury + time and money towards medical treatment, which is more costly than you think. Thus, the opportunity costs for the production of nanotechnology are the pollutions in our environment and the risk of danger towards our health.
Reflection
Nanotechnology is going to be the next big thing. In my opinion, nanotechnology in general will do well in the market. Demands for nanoparticals in products would be high, especially the fact that it can serve for important purposes. For example, nanoparticals can serve as a medication for cancer and it can kill odor when incorporated into clothing. Thus, athletes and cancer patients would demand for this production to continue. In my opinion, the opportunity cost of including these nanoparticals to new products is minor. Damages to the environment from the substances in nanotechnology are negligible compared to the amount of damages caused from our transportation. Although I agree with most of the production of nanotechnology, I do not think it's a good idea to incorporate them in clothing. It poses a higher risk of side effects, which results in injury and more money for medical treatment. By allowing the production of nanotechnology, the products we buy, and basically our lifestyle will be improved.
Summary
Nanotechnology has just recently been announced to help produce the next generation of products. So what exactly are these nanotechnologies? Basically, they are tiny particles in forms of silver, gold, carbon, and even bamboo that are shrunken down to extreme sizes. The plan is to use these tiny particles as an extra ingredient to a variety of new products, such as scratch-resistant paint, golf balls that can go farther and medications that can destroy cancer cells. Also, they plan to incorporate these particles into clothing, which are capable of killing odors (GREAT FOR YOU SWEATY PEOPLE OUT THERE). Scientists are still studying this new nanotechnology to ensure that it is safe for consumers. For now, it still poses a risk to the environment and to the human health due to its toxic materials.
Introductory Concept: Opportunity Cost
Since “nanotechnology” has been brought up, many have been wondering what are the benefits. This new technology allows companies to inject a new generation of substances into new products, making it more beneficial than before. An example stated in the article would be the clothing people wear. With the new nanotechnology, clothing would have the ability to absorb and kill odor at the same time. This may sound appealing, but what is it sacrificing? What is the opportunity cost? Study show that the nanoparticles can cause damage to our environment and to our bodies when they leak out of products. This is a major issue today because of the green house affects. Ever since the green house gas effect has been brought up, people are changing their lifestyles to become more environmentally friendly. Not only that, but it can also cause damage to our bodies, due to the toxic materials that may leak onto our skin. The cost of damaging our body is much more costly than purchasing clothing that may harm us. If particles did leak onto our skin, we would need to pay for medical treatments to cure ourselves. As you can see, the cost of product alone may end up cost of product+ risk + injury + time and money towards medical treatment, which is more costly than you think. Thus, the opportunity costs for the production of nanotechnology are the pollutions in our environment and the risk of danger towards our health.
Reflection
Nanotechnology is going to be the next big thing. In my opinion, nanotechnology in general will do well in the market. Demands for nanoparticals in products would be high, especially the fact that it can serve for important purposes. For example, nanoparticals can serve as a medication for cancer and it can kill odor when incorporated into clothing. Thus, athletes and cancer patients would demand for this production to continue. In my opinion, the opportunity cost of including these nanoparticals to new products is minor. Damages to the environment from the substances in nanotechnology are negligible compared to the amount of damages caused from our transportation. Although I agree with most of the production of nanotechnology, I do not think it's a good idea to incorporate them in clothing. It poses a higher risk of side effects, which results in injury and more money for medical treatment. By allowing the production of nanotechnology, the products we buy, and basically our lifestyle will be improved.
