Principles for the oversight of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials
Nano Action Project, Washington, DC
International Center for Technology Assessment - Washington, DC
2007
16 p.
environmental impact assessment ; health impact assessment ; nongovernmental organization ; social aspect ; trade union role ; nanotechnology
Technology
English
"The adverse impacts of granting patents for fundamental nanomaterials, which may amount to privatizing the building blocks of the natural world, must be considered and addressed. Moreover, the production of nanodevices for manufacturing, military or medical use – including enhancement of human performance –can be expected to pose complex risks as well as social and ethical challenges. Some laboratories are already engineering viruses, yeasts, and bacteria to make nanomaterials."
Digital
The ETUI is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ETUI.