Nanotechnology is subject to much speculation particularly in the areas of regulation and risk assessment. There are surprisingly few governing regulations for the use of nanoparticles in industry, and voluntary guidelines are open to interpretation. Older standards for materials cannot apply to nanoparticles as their change in behaviour makes them classifiable as a new material – the only thing some particles have in common with their bigger counterparts is their chemical symbol. For example, some materials become highly explosive at the nanoscale whilst harmless when larger. It is apparent that the state of division is a fundamental property of matter. Old assumptions need to be left behind in the nanoworld, and new global standards and regulations need to be written (and soon!).
“Why don't you leave those out Granny, they're a bit manky? I hope I don't get one.”
“I always do it like this, just as me old mum did and her old mum did. No harm in it.” Lily tensed, knowing she couldn't say anything more. “There we go, ready for the oven, just one more magic ingredient... oh, this Christmas is going to be a cracker, with your brother back from America and Old Georgie out of hospital. Now, go and fetch me that brandy from the corner cupboard love.” Ma Baker glooped brandy over the cake mix and some in her tea. “Right, 4 hours on low – that's the secret – make sure it's cooked slow and proper.”“So who's having the first slice?”
“It's gotta be Georgie – must be years since you've had some of Ma Baker's Christmas cake. 'Ere I'll pass it. Oops mind me beer pet.”
"The ambulance came quickly didn't it? Can't believe mum insisted on putting those charm trinkets she bought in the cake! Poor Georgie is lucky to be alive. Come on, don't cry Lil' – it's not your fault."