Nanotechnology & Morgellons Disease

The field of nanotechnology is in its infancy, and much has yet to be discovered as to how nanomaterials behave and what effects they'll have on humans and the environment. Conditions such as Morgellons Disease may be linked to this new technology.

Nanotechnology

• Nanotechnology is a field of applied science in which the smallest units of matter are manipulated to create new materials and processes. "Nano" represents a unit of measurement where one nanometer is equal to one billionth of meter. Because of their minute sizes, nanomaterials are much stronger than macro-sized materials and have different--usually stronger--chemical properties as well.

Morgellons Disease

• Morgellons Disease is a skin disorder in which fibers, specks or granules appear unexplainedly on the surface of the skin. Individuals who suffer from this condition also report crawling, biting and stinging sensations. The Morgellons Research Foundation lists more than 13,000 families suffering from this condition in the United States. Little is known about the cause of the condition. Initially, the Centers for Disease Control labeled it "delusional parasitosis," as it was first considered to be the result of a mental disorder. However, the high incidence of physical symptoms in reported cases led the CDC to reclassify Morgellons as an "unexplained dermatology."

Nanotechnology and Morgellons

• Numerous theories link nanotechnology to Morgellons Disease. Epidemiological and research studies have identified the black fibers that appear in the skin as made from nanomaterials. In March 2007, American toxicologist Dr. Hildegarde Staninger published a much publicized study in which researchers collected fiber material samples from Morgellons sufferers. Results revealed that the materials in the fibers were nanocompounds commonly used in bio-nano-manufacturing processes.

Chemtrails

• Chemical spraying is cited as a possible nanotechology-related distribution method for Morgellons Disease. These sprays--also referred to as chemtrails--are said to be dispersed by jet airplanes at high altitudes. An March 7, 2001, article from USA Today cites numerous reports made across the United States regarding unusual plane-exhaust trails in the sky. Statements made by governing agencies were characterized as elusive, denying that any such phenomena existed. Activist groups opposed to biochemical warfare research identify the numerous chemtrail sightings as practice procedures carried out by military agencies. Nanocompounds are thought to play a part in the manufacture of biowarfare materials.

Food Additives

• As of August 2006, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a nano-engineered food additive for use as a food preservative. The additive comes in the form of a bacteriophage, which is a virus organism designed to "eat up" bacterial organisms that grow in food. Findings presented by Staninger show that the materials found in Morgellons cases are the same ones used in the manufacturing of bacteriophages. Morgellons activists are concerned that nano-engineered products and food may be the source of this disease.