What do you think about sports equipment manufactured with nano-technology?
In the last decade, our store shelves have become filled with more than thousand of products manufactured using nanotechnology. Among these nanotechnology products you can find sport equipment.
These products include swimwear, bowling and golf balls and tennis rackets. These products are usually more expensive which should allow an advantage for those who have the means to purchase them. Equipment that was manufactured with the use of nano – technology will allow for a better range of performance, which might put in doubt the skills and performance used by human abilities.
Some believe that the pricier product loses its appeal if it is no longer glamorous. After all, nano products do not appear special or glamorous.
But, please consider all the following advantages of nanotechnology: Nano based sports equipment allows products to be more stable, less fragile and light weight, so that they will be able to benefit professionals and amateurs alike.
Amateurs’ enjoyment of sports may increase due to the better performance allowed by nano products.And the response to those who are worried about the appearance of their nano sports gear is the marking of the nano equipment in a bright and shiny way.
And now, please vote!
Would you use or buy sports equipment that was produced using nanotechnology?
The framing of this question is not okay – given the limited information you have provided.
You correctly state that nanoparticles are used in consumer goods for their new properties.
However, along with potentially useful properties come potentially harmful properties – both to humans and the broader environment.
Sadly, we still know very little about the short and long-term dangers posed by all nanomaterials.
So, given the high uncertainty around these novel properties:
*What about the OH&S risks posed to workers producing these sporting goods?
**What about the OH&S risks posed to workers modifying sporting products like bicycle frames with nanomaterials?
***What about the disposal of these sporting goods and ultimate risks to the environment?
****What about the high energy intensiveness of all nanomaterials…..Aren’t we all meant to be reducing our energy consumption?
*****What about the broader health risks posed by nanomaterials like nano-silver, which is used as an antimicrobial in MANY sporting goods (given the warnings from microbiologists around our already over-use of anitmicrobials)?
regards,
gregory