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Nanotech the New Asbestos22 September 2005Unions have warned cutting-edge nanotechnology – used to build materials atom by atom - could be the next asbestos. In its submission to the Federal Government's inquiry into toxic dust, the Australian Council of Trade Unions points to research which shows nanoparticles can cause serious health problems, ranging from lung disease to Alzheimer's. The ACTU says urgent regulation is needed.
"There are thousands of workers working for those companies that are potentially exposed to this hazard," ACTU occupational health and safety officer Steve Mullins said. "There are several options on the table - one of which is prohibition if it's required."Nanotechnology is currently used in sunscreens and self-cleaning glass, but its use is expected to proliferate into areas such as manufacturing, medicine and computing. The ACTU has also called for a conference involving government, busiuness and unions on the use of nanotechnology to be held before the end of the year.
"We need to make a pretty urgent decision about what to do," Mullins said.To read submissions to the inquiry go to http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/clac_ctte/toxic_dust/submissions/sublist.htm | |
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