A World Dominated By Defense Organisms and Weapons: Military Applications of Nanotechnology

The United States supplied advanced military technology and of course, weapons to more than 92 percent of conflicts under way in 1999. That as always has an economical and social impact, mainly in developing countries representing the 68 percent of nations which consumed these military technologies. If the technology is more effective and relatively cheap, many governments around the world will be enticed to use it and experiment with it. The dilemma is whether to apply nanotechnology advances to military uses without regulations or with regulations we aren't sure we can trust.

A group of researchers with the responsibility to achieve the goals of The Millennium Project are investigating the potential environmental Pollution and Health Hazards resulting from possible military uses of nanotechnology. Also they would like to know the implications for research priorities helpful to prevent or reduce such pollution and hazards. However the way to do that was through a panel they had created which included representations from CRN, they found some interesting results from a survey they carried out.

This expert panel which consisted of 20 participants identified potential military uses of nanotechnology that might occur from now to 2025 along with their potential problems such as health hazards, environmental pollution and others. The panel also identified and rated research questions whose answers might produce knowledge to help prevent or reduce the health hazards and environmental pollution from potential military uses of nanotechnology.

THE FINAL REPORT?

Both the air pollution and health hazards are big problems with immensurable implications but we need put our eyes beyond this and see that the focus of this survey was addressed almost exclusively on these elements. The final report pinpoint several potential military uses of nanotechnology that might occur firstly up to 2010. Here we have a detailed list.

Nanomaterials (e.g., nanotubes) in uniforms and equipment to make them stronger and lighter could lead to nanofiber-like materials that break off from uniforms and equipment and enter the body and environment.

Nanoparticles as surface coverings to make it harder, smoother, and/or stealthier could erode and are inhaled by military staff and the general population.

Nanomaterials used as filters to remove selected impurities from fluids could become very low in cost and hence ubiquitous, and result in many small but discrete concentrations of possibly toxic impurities.

Moreover these are not the only potential hazards; there is other state which is from 2010 to 2025 and the list includes:

Artificial blood cells that dramatically enhance human performance could cause overheating of the body, bio-breakdowns, and their excretion could add to the environmental load.

Large quantities of smart weapons ó especially miniaturized, robotic weapons and intelligent, target-seeking ammunition without reliable remote off-switches could lead to unexpected injury to combatants and civilians, destruction to infrastructure, and environmental pollution.

Small receptor-enhancers designed to increase alertness and reduce the reaction times of humans could cause addiction and/or subsequent Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, leading to weakness, neural damage, and death.

How are nanoparticles absorbed into the body through the skin, lungs, eyes, ears, and alimentary canal?

Once in the body, can nanoparticles evade natural defenses of humans and other animals? What is the likelihood of immune system recognition of nanomaterials?

What are potential exposure routes of nanomaterials - both airborne and waterborne?

Could nanoparticles enter the food chain by getting into bacteria and protozoa and accumulate there?

How will nanomaterials enter the environment and will they change when moving from one medium (e.g. air) to another (e.g. water)?

How to identify and dispose of nanomaterial litter?

How can nanotechnology be used for post-battlefield cleanup (including biological, chemical, and nuclear wastes) so that they do not pollute soil and water?

WHAT WILL REALLY HAPPEN?

We don't know. For instance, the Institute of Soldier Nanotechnology is preparing the ground to develop high and sophisticate technology through science and engineering. Their focus is to design the soldier of the future implementing nanotechnology breakthrough's. They just want innovation and an effective way to increase highly the survival of soldiers in the battlefield. Also they have five strategic areas ranging from Nanosystem integration to Battle suit medicine. I don't see environmental or air pollution risks nowhere. Anyway, military always have secret operations supported by the government and we can't see whether these operations reveal publicly the truth of their intentions.

By: Hector Nicolas Suero
Staff Writer