Nanotechnology - the sexy new science with lots of unanswered questions
(Nanowerk News) Greater transparency and public engagement about the potential opportunities and risks
presented by nanotechnology is required, according to a new report by The Australia
Institute ("What you should know about nano" – pdf download).
While still an emerging field, nanoscale sciences and technologies (nanoST) are already
present in our daily lives, with more than 1000 consumer products identified as containing
nanomaterials. While the science has been quickly adopted in products such as cosmetics,
sunscreens, household appliances and cleaning products, the health and environmental
risks associated with nanoST are still hotly contested.
What you should know about nano by Dr Fern Wickson recommends an 11-point plan of
action for policymaking on nanoST development.
Dr Wickson is presenting today at the Asia-Pacific Science, Technology and Society
Network Conference. She will be available for comment between 10 – 11am in the
foyer of the Brisbane Convention Centre.
“There is no dispute that nanoST offers exciting and diverse opportunities, but there should
also be no dispute that there are far too many unanswered questions for us to have blind
faith in the new technology,” said Dr Wickson.
“Worryingly, early research has shown a similarity between the way the body responds to
carbon nanotubes and asbestos. While there is still such a degree of uncertainty about
potential risks, consumers are entitled to greater transparency about their exposure to
nanoST.”
In a recent report comparing regulatory governance of nanotechnology in the US, Canada,
the UK, Australia and Europe, Australia was not described as setting ‘best practice’
standards in the coordination of governance, information gathering, weighing risks against
benefits and having an accountable and transparent approach.
Included in Dr Wickson’s recommendations are:
Mandatory reporting on all products containing nanotubes and other nanomaterials
A parliamentary inquiry into nanoST
Health surveillance and environmental monitoring of high potential exposures
Adopting a precautionary approach to the commercialisation of the technology in cases where the potential for harm has been demonstrated, significant uncertainties remain and social benefits appear marginal.
“The experiment in nanoST has clearly already begun and as consumers and workers we
are already involved,” said Dr Wickson. “The question is, do we want to be and if so, how do
we want to be?”
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