Chapter 11 – Nanotechnology safety in the electronics and telecommunications industries

Abstract

Nanotechnology is one of the emerging areas of science, mathematics, technology, and engineering in the 21st century. It has been instrumental in the manufacture of a variety of new products. These products are a result of our exploitation of the unique properties of matter that can emerge in scales of 1 to 100 nanometers. Although the great advantages of nanotechnology and its related products can be exploited, there is still much that can be done in exploring related safety issues, especially as they relate to the electronics and telecommunications industries, which is the subject of this chapter. These safety concerns relate to the potential detrimental effects of nanotechnology materials and devices on humans and the environment. The safety issues must be addressed to protect life and the environment while enhancing innovation, public confidence, and societal benefits that nanotechnology can offer as it is applied to the electronics and telecommunications industries.