Other side of nanotech
G. RADHAKRISHNAN
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Introduction of regulatory measures should be mandatory to control the safe use of the technology and prevent its hazards
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"SMALL IS beautiful," said Schumacher — true, but that was before nanotechnologies appeared! While nanotech has its attractions, it has some dark spots. The positive and promising contributions of nanotech, sometimes called the transformational technology of the 21st century, have been widely projected. However, there is a negative side which should temper the euphoria. This aspect appears to have received only subdued attention, if at all, in India!
Like the earlier biotechnology, nanotech would not be an unmixed blessing. It will have significant impact on our society, human health, industry, the environment, and geopolitics, some of which could be dangerous. It is clear that industry and governments now set aside considerable funds for nanotech R&D. The amount is growing very rapidly and the products of nanotech are being introduced in an uncontrolled manner.
It is vital that the effects of this technology be addressed in a comprehensive manner. Action should be taken to study not only the likely benefits for humanity but also possible dangers. We should not fall into a trap as experienced earlier in the case of biotechnology. This aspect is well appreciated abroad. For example the Worldwatch Institute has, in its publication Vital Signs, 2006-2007, comprehensively dealt with this factor.
There are other agencies such as Center for Responsible Nanotechnology (CRN), International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON) in the U.S. and the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) in the U.K. which are addressing the problem seriously and striving for a judicious and holistic approach to the study of nanotechnologies development and applications.
However, in India, the likely dark side of nanotech does not appear to be well known/appreciated. From published information it is obvious that the MNCs have gained a firm grip on nanotech, as on biotech earlier. Obviously, they are doing this for multiplying their profits and not for human development.
It is apparent that most of the benefits of the new and promising technology are likely to be cornered by the multinationals as indicated by Worldwatch. The rest of the world would be left holding the baby of disaster.
Military advantages
Many of the so called developed nations are setting apart considerable funds for nanotech. The U.S. is a leader in this venture and its effort for this technology may even surpass that for landing on the moon! The U.S. is obviously targeting, amongst other benefits, the military advantages that nanotech would offer, and thereby augment their suzerainty over the nations of the earth. Japan also leads in nanoresearch. China is not far behind. India is also striving to promote nanotech development.
Nanotech is there to stay and must be vigorously pursued for the benefit of our people. From a wider perspective, however, there is a crucial need to promote awareness which will ensure that the pros and cons of the new technology are well understood. Introduction of regulatory measures should be mandatory to control the safe use of the technology and prevent its hazards.
Fallacious argument
Some nanotech enthusiasts claim that potential benefits are too great to wait until proof of ill effects are scientifically produced and ethical issues are addressed. This is a fallacious argument. Today, it is well recognised that the Precautionary Principle is paramount when human welfare is concerned and not material development only!
In this context, there is a crucial need to determine the direction of the new and emerging technologies at an early stage — what ESRC calls `upstream engagement.' Informed and ongoing dialogue between scientists and society is vital concerning significant social consequences. If not, the aftermath could be disastrous!
Albert Schweitzer once said, "Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying the earth." There is no time to be lost in proving him wrong!
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