LAS NANOTECNOLOGíAS EN CONTEXTO

The strength and weakness of nanotechnologies are considered. The strength of nanotechnologies lay in three main aspects. First, in the possibility of building products more efficient than the ones we know nowadays. Second, in the possibility of making multifunctional products. Third, in reducing and substituting the amount of raw material in several industrial sectors; and even meliorating the environment. But changes do not came without unintended consequences. And there is where the weaknesses of nanotechnology appear. Also in this case three main aspects should be considered. Firstly, the fact that matter when manipulated in nanoscale has unknown toxicological properties. Secondly, is the question of whose health will be affected by these technologies. Thirdly, is the fact that employment and division of labor will change significantly, at regional, national and international scale.