Call to assess safety of nano particles

 

 

The Hindu R. Muralidharan (second right), Director, Solid State Physics Laboratory, and Pradeep Haldar, professor, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University At Albany, State University of New York, at a seminar on organised by the PSG Institute of Advanced Studies in Coimbatore on Monday. R.Rudramoorthy (second left), principal, PSG College of Technology and Magnus Bergkvist, Assistant Professor of Nano-bioscience, University at Albany, are in the picture. Photo: K. Ananthan

Although there is not enough evidence to state that nano particles are per se toxic, it is necessary for scientists to bring to the table all advantages and disadvantages so that it does not face the same debate that Genetically Modified crops and products are facing, R. Muralidharan, Director of Solid State Physics Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organisation, said in Coimbatore on Monday.

Inaugurating a two-day seminar on ‘Nanotechnology for Energy, Environment and Health’, organised jointly by the PSG Institute of Advanced Studies and University at Albany State University of New York, the U.S., he said that if in the race to claim industrial funding and to reap commercial advantages, the flipside was swept under the carpet, society would view the scientists with suspicion.

“Nano technology is being thought of as a messiah for challenges that humanity is facing. There are various debates and discussions on whether nano technology is a hype or hope. The best way to view it is as a technology platform that can be used to increase the efficiency of the present technology and not as an independent entity,” Mr. Muralidharan said.

Assuming that nano technology would become a viable production level technology, it was essential to asses the challenges it brought with it. It was known that particles could penetrate the skin and cross the olfactory system to spread to the brain and also enter the bloodstream. Though this may not necessarily pose a health risk, it needed to be thoroughly investigated, he urged.

R. Rudramoorthy, principal of PSG College of Technology, spoke on the possible uses of nano technology in augmenting alternative sources of energy for electricity generation that could address power problems arising out of use of conventional sources.

The seminar would deliberate upon the latest advancements and challenges in the development of multifunctional nano-materials and their applications in areas such as energy, smart textiles, printed electronics, environment and health.

Professors Pradeep Halder, Makoto Hirayama and Magnus Bergkvist from the University at Albany, State University of New York, the U.S., delivered special lectures.