Some environmental groups have been arguing for a moratorium on all nanotechnology research and production, claiming that maybe, just maybe, the ultrasmall particles could pose a health hazard. But a new report from the United Kingdom's Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering concluded that while research should be conducted to analyze any negative impact of nanoparticles, there was no justification for a moratorium. "It is very unlikely that new manufactured nanoparticles could be introduced into humans in doses sufficient to cause the health effects," said the report, although human exposure to some substances like carbon nanotubes should be limited in the workplace or lab, where higher concentrations are more likely present.

# posted by James M. Pethokoukis at 5:00 PM EST
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