Reader's Response Draft 1

In the article “Duo turned plastic waste into concrete”, Goy (2016) claims that scientists from BlueRen have come up with a way to transfigure plastic wastes into carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes can be utilized as an additive to concrete, to reduce the use of cement. Traditional methods of producing carbon nanotubes are extremely limited, due to the high expenses and the creation of toxic gases. BlueRen however, has innovated a new way of production that is much more environmentally sustainable and it hopes to commercialise their new technology. While nanotechnology is a feasible method in upcycling plastic waste, it does offer potential disadvantages such as economy disruption, possible threats to health and the environment.

Nanotechnology, also known as molecular manufacturing may have immerse benefits however in the long run, the negative impact on society will surface. As mentioned in the website “Dangers of molecular manufacturing”, (n.d.) cheap manufacturing and duplications of designs could lead to economic upheaval. Nano-built products may be vastly overpriced relative to their cost, greatly reducing the value of many material and human resources hence disrupting the present economic structure.

Additionally, nanotechnology may possibly damage the environment from unregulated products. As stated in the website “The potential disadvantages of nanotechnology” (2015) nanotechnology led to an increase in pollutions levels. Nano-pollutions are brought about by the development of new products using various chemical reactions and thus, the release of gases such as carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes may leak into the environment via water and form colloidal solutions (a type of chemical mixture where one substance is dispersed evenly throughout another) where tiny particles are developed. These tiny particles influence uranium in environmental waters and even in biological system resulting in water pollution, resulting in unsafe water for consumption.

With nano-pollution, the effects are daunting on human health too. According to the website “Carbon nanotubes dangerous to the environment”, Levitt (2013) research have found that exposure to nanoparticles have serious impact on health, causing rheumatoid arthritis and the development of other serious autoimmune diseases. Scientist have applied a wide range of nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes to human cells and found that all nanoparticles were manifesting in the specific transformation of amino acid arginine into the molecule called citrulline which leads to the development of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. In the transformation to citrulline, human proteins are not in functioning properly and are subjected to destruction and elimination by the body’s immune system. This results in creating risk in global health.

Ultimately, nanotechnology may present potential benefits however with the continual usage and development of such technology, it may result in the above mentioned outcomes. Thus, more research should be conducted to decide on the feasibility of nanotechnology.

References:

Dangers of molecular manufacturing (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2017, from  http://www.crnano.org/dangers.htm

The New Ecologists (2015). The potential disadvantages of nanotechnology. Retrieved September 27, 2017, from http://www.thenewecologist.com/2015/11/disadvantages-nanotechnology/

Future nanotechnology (n.d.) Retrieved September 27, 2017, from http://www.tutorialsweb.com/nanotech/page-11.htm

Levitt (2013). Carbon nanotubes dangerous to the environment. Retrieved Setempter 27, 2017, from http://thefutureofthings.com/4077-carbon-nanotubes-dangerous-to-the-environment/

Trinity College Dublin (2012). Nanoparticles in polluted air, smoke and nanotechnology products have serious impact on health. Retrieved September 27, 2017, from https://phys.org/news/2012-06-nanoparticles-polluted-air-nanotechnology-products.html

Edited: 30 September 2017