Nanotechnology Debate Raises New Ethical Challenges

On Tuesday (13th July) the House of Lords discussed the recent report on nanotechnologies and food published by the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee. The report represented the culmination of an enquiry the committee held in 2009 which sought to investigate the use of nanotechnologies in the food sector and the application of effective systems to manage potential risks and concerns.

Nanotechnology is the term applied to the science of the very small. It involves the study, manipulation and engineering of systems or devices at a minute level i.e. less than 100 nanometers, which is 10 000th of the diameter of a human hair.

Because nanoparticles are so small they have large surface area to volume ratios. As a result of this the properties of materials may change dramatically at the nanoscale when compared with more conventional scales, giving rise to new novel physical and chemical properties.

These enhanced properties can aid passage through the human body, opening up exciting possibilities in terms of specific and targeted drug treatments. Food reformulation and packaging of food could also be revolutionised, as smaller quantities of an ingredient can achieve the same flavour and mouth feel if the ingredients are nanoscaled. The salt content of food could be reduced without affecting its taste. Improved shelf life and greater efficiency of food manufacturing also looks set to be boosted.

Whilst nano holds great promise, however, it also raises significant ethical questions both in relation to physical safety and human identity. In terms of physical safety little is currently known about the consequences of nanoparticles getting into the blood, gut, lymph or the brain as well as the full effect on the human foetus should nanomaterials be ingested by a pregnant mother.

In terms of human identity, nanoscience is predicted to underpin many breakthroughs impacting the human body and human nature, including the fusion between people and technology. Whilst many breakthroughs will undoubtedly be beneficial, once new technologies start to challenge human nature itself, and change what it means to be human, then real ethical concerns arise. This issue must be of concern for Christians whose worldview rests on the premise that humans are made in God’s image.

This week’s debate on food provided the opportunity for raising concerns primarily about physical safety and the need for more safety research before other research goes ahead. CARE sent a briefing to all speakers participating in the debate, highlighting the key safety concerns.

To read the debate click here.