Nanotechnology, Research Paper Example

Introduction

The US Federal Government is engaged in a large investment program towards the applied use of Nanotechnology. The industry is extremely beneficial to the healthcare sector and is expected to be an extremely lucrative business with projected annual revenues in excess of 1 trillion US $. The science involves the control of minute atoms and particles with many different scientific applications.  Despite the benefits there have been some issues raised applicable to the healthcare of this industry.

The Health Risks

The main concern with the use of nanoparticles comes from the danger of migration to the lungs – “Lung damage is the chief human toxicity concern surrounding nanotechnology, with studies showing that most nanoparticles migrate to the lungs. However, there are also worries over the potential for damage to other organs.” (Science Daily, 2009).  Experiments carried out with mice that were injected with nanoparticles found the mice having increased lung inflammation and high morbidity rate. However, those injected with an inhibitor autophagy inhibitor 3MA, prior to the introduction of the nanoparticles, had less lung problems and greatly reduced morbidity rates.  The use of nanoparticle treatment is deemed to have future benefits in the treatment of illnesses like Cancer, viral infections and other serious illnesses.

The first of these materials was developed by German scientists in 1984.ese research scientists have developed various drugs using this technology and it was here that the health and safety issues came into a point of concern with many workers getting lung diseases.  These in the use of the development of medicines in the area of Ployamidamine Dendrimers (PAMAM’s). The US Food and drug agency recently approved the use of Abraxane, nanoformulation of the anti-cancer chemotherapy paclitaxel.  Within this context the author is making a valid argument.

Works Cited

Science Daily, 2009. Health Risks Of Nanotechnology: How Nanoparticles Can Cause Lung Damage, And How The Damage Can Be Blocked. [Online] Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610192431.htm
[Accessed 29 7 2012].