Answer:

Introduction

Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular scale, typically 1 to 100 nanometers, to create new materials, devices, and systems, with applications in fields like medicine, electronics, energy, and environmental protection. Ex- Air purification with ions, wastewater purification with nanobubbles or nanofiltration systems for heavy metals

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Nanotechnology’s transformative impact on human development, especially in India

• Healthcare: For instance, India’s Department of Science and Technology launched ‘Nano Mission’ to develop nanotech-based diagnostic kits and drugs. Globally, therapies like Nanobiotix’s ‘NBTXR3’ for cancer treatment illustrate such advancements.
• Food Security: Nanotechnology is contributing to food security by increasing the shelf life of food. Indian startup, Log 9 Materials, invented ‘CoronaOven,’ using nanotech to sterilize food and prolong its freshness.
• Pollution Control: Nanotech is combating air pollution. The IIT Delhi, created a nano- resonator to filter air pollutants. At a global level, Daikin’s air purifiers with nanotech filters efficiently eliminate microscopic pollutants.
• Electronics: Nanotechnology has brought about significant enhancements in electronics. India’s Semiconductor Laboratory fabricates nano-electronics devices with wide applications. IBM’s 7nm chip, smallest and most powerful to date, is a global example.
• Defense and Security: Nanomaterials make stronger, lighter armors and more accurate sensors. DRDO is researching nano-materials for defense applications. On a global scale, the US Army’s research on nano-drones for surveillance shows its strategic importance.
• Clothing and Textile: Nanotechnology can be used to create fabrics with enhanced properties, such as moisture-wicking, UV protection, and antimicrobial capabilities. Ex- cotton impregnated with silver nanoparticles has anti-microbial properties.

Potential risks and averting unintended consequences

• Health Risks: Some nanomaterials can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. For example, Carbon Nanotubes can cause lung damage similar to asbestos when inhaled. Therefore, it’s crucial to develop safety protocols to handle such materials.
• Environmental Impact: Nanoparticles might accumulate in the environment, causing harm to organisms and ecosystems. Silver nanoparticles used in consumer products, like socks for odour control, can be washed into water bodies, affecting aquatic life.
• Privacy Issues: The use of nanotech in surveillance and data collection devices could lead to privacy violations. Nano-drones or ‘smart dust’ sensors, for instance, could be used invasively without people’s knowledge or consent.
• Nanotoxicology: The study of how nanoparticles interact with biological systems is still in its infancy. The unpredictable behaviour of nanoparticles could lead to unforeseen health impacts, necessitating comprehensive nano toxicological research.
• Unintended Consequences: Like any technology, nanotechnology can have unintended consequences. For example, a study suggested carbon nanotubes, used in electronics, could potentially deplete ozone in the stratosphere.
• Ethical Considerations: The use of nanotechnology in medicine raises ethical questions about potential unintended consequences or unforeseen health effects. Ex- Nanomedicine enhancement leads to the creation or improvement of bodily parts or functions, that were absent or undamaged. This can take us into the transhumanism debate.

Urgency of implementing regulatory frameworks in this regard

• Health and Safety: Nanoparticles like nano-titanium dioxide are used in Indian cosmetic products and food, raising concerns over long-term health impacts. Regulations must ensure the safety of these products, similar to western counterparts like the FDA and the EU.
• Technological Advance: As part of the Indian government’s Nano Mission initiative, many nanotech products and solutions are under development. Regulatory frameworks must evolve with these advances to prevent misuse and unforeseen risks.
• Global Trade: With India exporting nano-products, like Nanoclean AC filters, a robust regulatory framework is necessary to ensure safety standards and prevent trade disputes.
  
• Public Trust: The controversy over health risks of nano-pesticides, like ‘nano-silver’, highlighted the need for transparency and regulatory oversight to foster public trust in nanotechnology.
• Fair Access: With the development of expensive nanomedicines in India, regulatory measures are required to prevent access becoming a luxury for the rich, similar to the recent case of NanoViricides’ FluCide drug.
• Informed Consent: Indian consumers have a right to know when products contain nanomaterials. Regulations can mandate appropriate labelling, similar to the European Union’s requirement for nano-ingredients to be clearly indicated on product labels.
• Research and Development: In the R&D sector, organizations like the Indian Institute of Technology need guidelines for responsible innovation, considering potential risks during the design and development phase of nanotechnology products.

Conclusion

The government of India is still in the process of developing regulatory frameworks for nanotechnology. However, the urgency of this task is clear as it is a rapidly developing field with the potential to have a major impact on human development. It is important to take steps to mitigate the potential risks of this technology and to avert unintended consequences.

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