What is nanotechnology? What are the hazards associated with it?
Nanotechnology is the generic name given to the production or use of very small, or ‘nano’ particles. These are particles that are less than one hundred nanometres or about one thousandth the width of a human hair. A nanometre is one billionth of a metre.
It is an area for which there is no regulation in Australia. Companies are under no obligation to even notify any government authority if they import, use or manufacture nanomaterials.
The potential effects of nanomaterials on worker health and that of the general community, as well as on the environment, are largely unknown.