Radio frequency identification (RFID) chips are truly a mixed technological blessing. On the positive side, RFID tags help stores track their inventory more efficiently and economically. On the negative, the USDA may soon call for RFID chips to track farm animals in a governmental database, greatly risking the financial health of organic farmers as well as our own.

This extensive piece from RFID Lowdown goes the typical positive route listing 51 specific applications such chips will, no doubt, have on our lives in the short and long term. Among them:

• Creating digital images that can be updated every day.
• Shutting off water in a leaking toilet.
• Finding golf balls.
• Tracking your car's license plates.
• Replacing postage stamps.

Of course, all this sounds very cool and interesting until you learn RFID tags will be used down the road to identify not only farm animals, but produce too. Or, that these chips may be used to ensure you receive the right drug in the hospital, unless, of course, the chip information is wrong.

Yes, the vast permutations of RFID technology will have untold effects on your lives, and some will be good ones. Unfortunately, RFID has the potential to create far more problems for your health, if it isn't handled sensibly.