how is nanotechnology dangerous for the existance of human civilization?

Question

i heard somewhere that it is an extinction threat for the human race. in what ways is this possible? examples? it can also be beneficial such as development of medicines and cures. what are examples of these? how many years do you estimate this technology will come to be? nanotechnology doesn't seem to get as much attention for something that might change all facets of our life in the near future. thanks in advance for help with all these questions =D

Answer 1

Potential risks of nanotechnology can broadly be grouped into three areas:

-the risk to health and environment from nanoparticles and nanomaterials;
-the risk posed by molecular manufacturing (or advanced nanotechnology);
-societal risks.

Social risks related to nanotechnology development include the possibility of military applications of nanotechnology (such as implants and other means for soldier enhancement) as well as enhanced surveillance capabilities through nano-sensors. However those applications still belong to science-fiction and will not be possible in the next decades. Significant environmental, health, and safety issues might arise with development in nanotechnology since some negative effects of nanoparticles in our environment might be overlooked. However nature itself creates all kinds of nanoobjects, so probable dangers are not due to the nanoscale alone, but due to the fact that toxic materials become more harmful when ingested or inhaled as nanoparticles.

Answer 2

It isn't. It has not yet got much attention because the technology is very young and not much in the way of actual applications have been developed. There are still many issues with building nanotechnology machines and getting them to do useful things.

Answer 3

Nanobots and Nanotechnology are fascinating things. I had taken this as mini-project and submitted a thesis on the topic in my Post Graduation. Well, coming to your question, use this file for more accurate information. A good article which will almost answer all your questions. www.nanotechnology.com/docs/wtd015798.pdf

Answer 4

So far noone has been able to create a normal robot capable of self-replication, so I'm not worried about the nano-scale ones for now.

Answer 5

Think about it. An autonomous organism that can take anything apart and grow itself exponentially. Sounds like the end of the world to me!

Answer 6

look up gray goo theory.
-we make nanobots that consume pollution (carbon products). since the nanobots are self replicating, they can develop a mutation in their programing and therefore will "eat" anything that has carbon in it