Reader's Response Draft 2

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. Carbon nanotubes can be utilized as an additive to concrete, thereby reducing the usage of cement. Traditional methods of producing carbon nanotubes are extremely limited, due to the high expenses and the release of toxic gases. 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 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 emerge. As mentioned in the article “Dangers of molecular manufacturing”, (n.d.) explains that inexpensive development and replications of designs could lead to economic upheaval. Nano-built products such as plastic wastes 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 the production of unregulated products. Based on the article “The potential disadvantages of nanotechnology” (2015) states 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 source “Carbon nanotubes dangerous to the environment”, Levitt (2013) research have found that exposure to nanoparticles have serious impact on human health. 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.

In my opinion, commercializing the usage of nanotechnology at the risk of the economy, human health and environment should not be highly encouraged. I personally feel that people are losing the battle against technology as many work opportunities has been replaced through the use of technology. This resulted in many people having the fear of losing their jobs and in the long run, unemployment rate will increase leading to recessions. Also, human health and the environment will be greatly affected by the effects of nano-pollution. Also, imagine having to inhale polluted air and consume 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 that having the environment and human health at the expense of technology should not be highly sought after.

Ultimately, upcycling plastic waste through 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 using nanotechnology to upcycle plastic waste.

References:

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

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

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

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

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/

Edited: 30 September 2017

Edited: 4 October 2017