Activities on societal implications of nanotechnology in Europe and US
Innovative technology has a wide range of impacts on society through industrial activities. In addition to initially expected benefits, such technology sometimes generates unintended effects on society and puts people at risk. Although no overt risks regarding nanotechnology have been pointed out, a number of experts have been warning of such potential risks.
In the United States, the societal implication of nanotechnology, ranging from the direct impact of nanomaterials on humans and the environment to ethical implications, has been treated as one of the most important nanotechnological challenges that society faces since the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) began in 2000. The National Science Foundation (NSF) held a workshop on this issue (Roco & Bainbridge 2001) in September 2000. Since then, US government departments and agencies have been promoting study programs on the impact of nanotechnology on the products and technology for which each department or agency is responsible. These efforts by individual government offices have been coordinated by the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office.
In Europe, the NANOSAFE project and other studies on the safety of nanomaterials were kicked off several years ago. In “Towards a European Strategy for Nanotechnology,” published in July 2004, Europe stated more clearly than ever before that nanotechnology development through harmonization with various social aspects, public health, safety and environment/consumer protection are very important issues. Another key research report is “Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties,” published by the Royal Society & Royal Academy of Engineering of Britain in July 2004.
Risk assessment and risk management of nanomaterials have been discussed most frequently as a challenge faced by society. Experts have not yet pointed out any overt risks of such materials. However, we are not yet at the stage where risk assessment can be conducted because no standardized test materials or test methods have been established. Systematic and strategic research on standardization is necessary. Although the results of some research indicate the toxicity of nanomaterials, linking such results directly to risk assessment is inappropriate. According to the conferences and research introduced in this report, experts have already reached a basic consensus on how to handle nanomaterials (based on existing chemicals and food). They have almost always agreed on the definition and classification of nanomaterials (the largest dimension of up to 100 nm), key issues with a high priority from the viewpoint of exposure to the materials ((1) safety and health of workers, (2) safety and health of consumers, and (3) preservation of ecosystem and environment), risk assessment/management and public relations.
This report is a summary of “Activities on societal implications of nanotechnology of Europe and US” by Masahiro Takemura, carried in the Journal of the Chemo-Bio Integrated Management Society (Chemo-Bio Integrated Management 1(1)57-73(2005)). The report is available with permission from the Chemo-Bio Integrated Management Society at the website of nanonet at the following address:
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