Thanks for the comment – which is an interesting one. I was talking about this very subject just a few days ago, and had to admit that the nano safety community – myself included – have shied away from talking about the use of nanotech in weapons systems. I suspect this is because it isn’t too hard to imagine how the technology can be used to harm people in inventive ways, and I for one feel uneasy about putting new ideas into people’s heads in this area. But at some point, it is a discussion that needs to be had.

I am posting this in 2011 – perhaps you are not still monitoring comments but, if you are, I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks

I was pleasantly surprised that you thought this worked for a lay audience – I was worried that it was far too long and esoteric for anyone not deeply immersed in nanotechnology to appreciate!

The question of exposure during pregnancy is a critical one, that hasn’t really been explored sufficiently yet. With a new technology and a new set of materials, there’s a tendency to focus initially on mainstream potential health challenges, and neglect more susceptible groups (pregnant women, children, the elderly, the infirm etc.). But it’s often these groups that are more at risk. When it comes to engineered nanomaterials and pregnant women, there have been tentative studies suggesting some types of material could cross the placental barrier – but there is no where near enough information to suggest if and when this might be a serious issue. Something that clearly needs more research.

PS. I was wondering if there are toxicology data on exposure during pregnancy and embryo development (yes, I know this is a quite delicate subject, and also a difficult one to study since it is impossible to design experiments regarding ethics) . What are the current protocols (if any) for female workers?