Abstract
Nanotechnology has been one of the emerging areas of science, mathematics, technology and engineering in the 21st century. It has been instrumental in the manufacturing of about 1000 nanotechnology-based different new products. The ability to manipulate, organize, and measure matter at the atomic level in scales of one to 100 nanometers (0.1 micrometers (µm)) is what “nanotechnology” is all about. It has been shown that there are about one billion nanometers (nm) in 1 m. Imagine comparing this to the width of a human hair which is approximately 80,000 nm wide. While the great advantages of nanotechnology and its related products can be exploited, much has not been done in exploring the safety issues, especially, as it relates to the electronics and the telecommunication industries. This research work is about the nanotechnology safety issues concerning the electronics and the telecommunication industries. These safety concerns relate to the potential detrimental effects of nanotechnology materials and devices. The safety issues must be addressed to protect life and the environment; enhancing innovation, public confidence, and societal benefits that nanotechnology can offer as it is applied to the electronics and telecommunication industries.
The engineered nanoparticles include carbon lattices, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal oxides, liposomes, polymers and micelles. However, there are concerns that nanoparticles being generated from nanotechnology have the potential to enter and accumulate into the key organs of the body such as the lungs and brains causing harm or death to humans and animals. It is also possible that the diffusion of the nanoscale particles in the environment can destroy ecosystems as well. The issue then becomes on how we can make it possible to exploit the advantages of nanotechnology while at the same time making sure all of the safety issues are considered, especially, as they relate to the electronics and telecommunication industries. Recommendations are suggested as a result of this research.
Coffee and tea will be served 20 minutes prior to the seminar.