Students Evaluate Nanotechnology
April 27, 2017 -- Nanotechnology in cosmetics – should they stay or should they go?
This was the question posed to sophomore students in Lorna Coffey and Cara Pollock’s Physical Science course.
Many cosmetics contain nano-particles that enhance the color, transparency and solubility of the product.
Elijah Abdw-Razzaaq, Amadou Ly and Da'veed Aldridge (L-R) concluded that the risks of nanotechnology are too great to continue including in cosmetics.
Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating atoms and molecules in the super-small word of the nanoscale - 80,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair.
After conducting research, the students presented their conclusions.
The majority of the groups weighed in on the side of caution and concluded that the possible harm to humans and the environment are significant and that nanotechnology in cosmetics should not be permitted.
“We are concerned about the medical problems that may be caused by nanotechnology in cosmetics, mainly cancer,” said Airianna Davis, center.
“The participles can be absorbed through the skin and can also affect blood clotting.” Breya Hinton (L) and Celeste Greer (R) are other members of the research team.
A few groups concluded that the benefit of nanotechnology particles in cosmetics outweighs disadvantages and safety concerns raised by some scientists.
Diontez Paterson (L) and Donovan Saxon (R) concluded that the benefits were more important than the risks.
“Cosmetics with nano particles keep skin looking healthy and younger,” said Diontez.
The project based lesson began with a memo from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, asking the students to research cosmetics with contain tiny nano-capsules that claim to protect skin from sun damage and aging.
“This project was focused on matter on the molecular scale,” said teacher Lorna Coffey. “Investigating a specific consumer product makes the lesson more interesting.”