AR-News: nanoparticles harm aquatic beings

[Mary Finelli]

NANO NO-NO
Nanotechnology Can Harm Fish, Study Finds

Nanotechnology -- the development and application of microscopic particles 
measured in nanometers and, for some reason, always compared to the diameter 
of a human hair (they're thousands of times smaller) -- has had scientists 
and futurists buzzing for years about the possibilities for everything from 
stain-proof fabrics to tiny semi-intelligent, self-replicating robots.  
However, yesterday brought news of a new study that raises concerns about 
the effects of nanoparticles on living creatures, and it has some enviros 
calling for greater caution and federal regulation.  The study found that, 
in relatively high concentrations, certain nanoparticles called buckyballs 
damage the brains and other organs of fish and kill off tiny aquatic animals 
called water fleas.  "There are many potential benefits of nanotechnology, 
but its hazards and risks are poorly understood," said researcher Eva 
Oberdoerster, who nonetheless emphasized that the study is a "yellow light, 
not a red one."

straight to the source:  The Washington Post, Rick Weiss, 29 Mar 2004
http://www.gristmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forward.pl?forward_id=2220

straight to the source:  The New York Times, Barnaby J. Feder, 29 Mar 2004
http://www.gristmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forward.pl?forward_id=2221

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