Unlike asbestos, which is usually contained, nanoparticles can be found anywhere in anything. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Nanotechnology is a relatively new technology with the potential for significant impact on society. Nanoparticles have been around for hundreds of years, but the invention of microscopes that can see atomic-sized particles made it possible for scientists to develop a wide variety of uses.
Nanoparticles are extremely small. They are generally from 1 to 100 nanometers, that is, one-billionth of a meter. A two-nanometer-size particle is more than 10 billion times smaller than a red blood cell. For perspective, a human hair is 20,000 nanometers.
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Christine G. Barlow, CPCU
Christine G. Barlow, CPCU, is Executive Editor of FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, a division of National Underwriter Company and ALM. Christine has over thirty years’ experience in the insurance industry, beginning as a claims adjuster then working as an underwriter and underwriting supervisor handling personal lines. Christine regularly presents and moderates webinars on a variety of topics and is an experienced presenter.
