Ethical Issues in Nanotechnology and Sustainability

Nanotechnology, manipulating matter at the 1–100 nm scale, revolutionizes medicine, electronics, energy, agriculture, and water purification through unique physicochemical properties driven by quantum effects and high surface-to-volume ratios. Innovations like targeted drug delivery, efficient solar cells, and advanced water filtration address global sustainability challenges. However, rapid advancements raise ethical concerns: nanoparticle toxicity poses health risks, bioaccumulation threatens ecosystems, nanosensors enable invasive surveillance, and high costs exacerbate inequity. Regulatory gaps further complicate safe deployment. This chapter explores nanotechnology’s potential to drive sustainable solutions, such as clean energy and waste management, while advocating for robust safety protocols, transparent governance, and equitable access to mitigate risks. By integrating ethical frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifecycle assessments, nanotechnology can advance sustainability while protecting human health, environmental integrity, and societal fairness.