Nanotechnology education post of the day.
For those of you who are new to my ramblings my aim is to educate on some of the advances that nanotechnology has made in recent years. It is amazing. It can also be very dangerous.
With great power comes great responsibility so I am here today to pass on a warning.
I posted yesterday on the advances made using nanotechnology in the disinfection world. Leaps and bounds above traditional options.
BUT...there are people using very questionable technology that I want to help you identify, understand, and thus make an informed decision on whether or not they are right for you.
Today I want to talk about nano-silver and titanium dioxide (Ti02) in the world of hard surface disinfection.
Nano-silver and titanium dioxide are not pure evil. There are many areas where they are perfectly safe. Make-up and sunscreen are 2 uses that it is fine to have them as an ingredient.
Here is the kicker...when used as a hard surface disinfectant there are studies that show they could cause cancer.
Yep...no joke.
So how do they work? In a simplistic manner they create tiny nano swords that puncture the walls of viruses, bacteria, etc. Sounds pretty cool. NanoCarnage!
How does it work in more detail?
• Forms a nano-scale biostatic layer on treated surfaces
• Through self assembled layers forms an almost permanent bond with the surface
• This results in a dense field of carbon shafts projecting from the surface
• Bacterial cells are drawn to the positively charged nitrogen ends of the shafts
• A positive charge on the nitrogen end interacts with the net negative charge on the bacterial cell
The thing to pay attention to is the "almost" permanent bond with the surface.
What this means is that with abrasion the tiny little swords can come detached from the surface.
DANGER, DANGER! They don't stop killing when they detach. The companies who use these technologies claim it is perfectly safe against skin, etc. What they neglect to say is that when the detached swords are inhaled they do not stop working. They get into lungs and guess what, they kill.
There are countries that have banned these technologies. North America has not. Remember, cancer is not fun.
That simple.
Please, Please, Please read your label and really consider these technologies. Never in my home.
Full disclaimer: I am in the hard surface disinfection game.
I supply nanotechnology based products that do not use this technology.
I 100% have the capability to create and market a nano-sword type disinfectant and I never will.
I am not telling you what mine is called as I want you to consider this gaining a piece of knowledge that can keep you and your family safer. lease read the label and remember the implications of these 2 nanotechnologies.
I have seen nanotechnology do amazing things and deliver unquestionable results.
It's not all roses and sugarplums out there though.
Hope this helps.
