Impact of Nanotechnology on Socio-Economic Aspects: An Overview

摘要

Nanotechnology, a multidisciplinary scientific field is undergoing explosive developments and has covered almost every aspect of industrial area from drugs to machinery. Due to its widespread applicability, its benefit to risk ratio has become topic of debate worldwide. Nanotechnology possesses challenging societal and economical impacts with unpredictable outcomes, has gained low public awareness about its hazards. Industries and pharmaceutical companies are getting so indulged in this technology that less attention is paid to short and long-term consequences of nano-based products. The article aims to cover an overview of socio-economic assets of nanomaterials along with its risk assessment. Economical aspects have summarized the expenditure in R&D, outcomes, marketing surveillance of some nanotechnology based products and patents. While nanotechnology facilitates growth and concentration of market of large-scale firms, it may undermine the economic viability of smaller firms. The societal aspects describe the perception and acceptability of nanotechnology by society, impact on developing nations and nanotoxicity to humans and ecosystem. The newly welcomed guest, nanotechnology requires strict attention in terms of risk assessment at public and intellectual level regarding its benefits and hazards for the well-being of human and nature.