As you know, I'm a tech geek but I do have many mixed feelings about the use of nanotechnology, particularly when it comes to exposing your body to these complex molecular machines (see, for example, the results of a recent study on brain-damaging sunscreens).

While I welcome this radical breakthrough, I remain very concerned about nanotechnology being another form of pollution that has the potential to cause more harm than good.

Some new washing machines, particularly from Samsung Electronics, use silver ions as a disinfectant. But the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act could allow product manufacturers to sidestep any registration provisions.

Companies like The Sharper Image have already taken the hint by removing germ-killing claims from such products as socks, food containers and slippers embedded with silver nanoparticles.

I have great respect for Samsung and LG. Both are Korean companies that in my estimation will soon overtake Sony. Many tech advocates do not look favorably at Sony anymore. Their arrogance seems to have them on a downward spiral. Personally, I would never purchase a Sony product.

Last month, however, I did purchase an LG washer and dryer that can actually wash with steam, and the washer spins at over 1,300 rpms so the clothes come out very dry and need far less time in the dryer. Interestingly, the LG washer and dryer were in the tech home of the future that was displayed at the 2007 Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.

On Vital Votes, reader Jason from Waukehsa, Wisconsin says:

"The logic behind this kills me.  It is the same rationale for adding fluoride to the water supply to strengthen the enamel on our teeth.  What toxic effects does fluoride have on the remainder of the body?  

"Bacteria in the laundry are not a problem.  I would like to see the epidemiological numbers on the number of people harmed per year by bacteria infested laundry.  The marketing industry has made people so afraid of bacteria that they are willing to purchase anything that makes their world more sterile.  

"My rule:  if nature (bacteria) are trying to consume you, it is time to make some lifestyle changes."

However, Jack from Los Angeles, California contends:

"It is my understanding, and also my experience, that silver is a very effective antibiotic that has been shown to kill over 650 different germs.  It has been used for thousands of years to purify water and is still used in Ayurvedic medicine and even in Indian food. 

"The Russian astronauts used it to clean the air in their space capsules etc. I myself, have taken ionic silver for many years with no untoward effects, although I would not recommend eating pre 1964 dimes etc."

Other responses to this article can be viewed at Vital Votes, and you can add your own thoughts or vote on comments by first registering at Vital Votes.