Reader Response Draft 3

In the article “Duo turned plastic waste into concrete idea”, Goy (2016) claims that scientists from BlueRen have developed a way to transfigure plastic wastes into carbon nanotubes where it can be utilized as an additive to concrete, thereby reducing the usage of cement. Goy (2016) also mentioned about how traditional methods of producing carbon nanotubes are extremely limited, due to the high expenses and the release of toxic gases. Hence, BlueRen 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 the environment and human health.

The article “Dangers of molecular manufacturing” (n.d.) inexpensive development and replications of designs could lead to economic upheaval. Nano-built products such as carbon nanotubes may be vastly overpriced relative to their cost, greatly reducing the value of many material and human resources hence disrupting the economic structure. As such, the transfiguration of plastic waste through molecular manufacturing may not seem feasible due to the disruption of economy in the long run.

Additionally, nanotechnology may possibly damage the environment from the production of unregulated products. The article “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, releasing 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. As a result, it influences the environmental waters and biological systems by the production of uranium causing water pollution and unsafe water for consumption.

With nano-pollution, the effects on human health are daunting too. Levitt (2013) research have found that exposure to nanoparticles have serious impact on human health. Levitt (2013) also mentioned that scientist have applied a wide range of nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes to human cells and found that all nanoparticles were manifesting in a 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 proper function and are subjected to destruction and elimination by the body’s immune system. Hence, the constant upcycling of plastic waste will result in creating risk in global health in time to come.

In my opinion, usage of nanotechnology at the risk of the economy, environment and human health should not be highly encouraged. I personally feel that people are losing the battle against technology as many work opportunities has been replaced. This resulted in many fearing of losing their jobs thereby increasing unemployment rate, leading to recessions. Similarly, the effects of nano-pollution will greatly affect the environment and human health. Just imagine inhaling polluted air and consuming contaminated water, these factors will cause great risks in global health as there will be an outspread of diseases which may result in death. As such, I feel having the environment and human health at the expense of technology should not be highly sought after, thus more research should be conducted on the feasibility of using nanotechnology to upcycle plastic waste.

References:

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

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

Goy, P. (2016). Duo turn plastic waste into a concrete idea. The Straits Times. Retrieved September 2017, from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/duo-turn-plastic-waste-into-a-concrete-idea

Levitt, A. (2013). Carbon nanotubes dangerous to the environment. The Future of Things. Retrieved September 27, 2017, from http://thefutureofthings.com/4077-carbon-nanotubes-dangerous-to-the-environment/

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

Edited: 30 September 2017

Edited: 4 October 2017

Edited: 9 October 2017

Edited: 13 October 2017