Nanotechnology - What's So Big about the Small Stuff

摘要

Nanotechnology, "the manipulation of matter at the atomic scale to create functional materials, devices and systems with unique properties and capabilities, is described as, "the next Industrial Revolution." It "is a truly international phenomenon that "will have a major impact on the health, wealth and security of the world's people that will be at least as significant in this century as antibiotics, the integrated circuit, and manmade polymers." It can be classed as a disruptive technology, a new technology that unexpectedly displaces an established technology, and an enabling technology, one that can be applied to existing technologies to make them better. This presentation will provide an overview of nanotechnology basics. It will discuss potential upside benefits as well as some of the issues facing manufacturers and potential users of nano-enabled products. The presentation will discuss efforts underway to develop guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of workers, consumers and the environment and highlight the benefits of a proactive approach.