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Nanotechnology and other risks PET Course – Risk Communication 23 th of May 2012

Nanotechnology and other risks PET Course – Risk Communication 23 th of May 2012. Marga Jacobs m.jacobs@leefmilieu.nl www.leefmilieu.nl. Programme. Introducing Leefmilieu (Human Environment) Nanotechnology Uncertainty about risks Nanotechnology project of Leefmilieu

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Nanotechnology and other risks PET Course – Risk Communication 23 th of May 2012

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  1. Nanotechnology and other risksPET Course – Risk Communication 23th of May 2012 Marga Jacobs m.jacobs@leefmilieu.nl www.leefmilieu.nl

  2. Programme • Introducing Leefmilieu (Human Environment) • Nanotechnology • Uncertainty about risks • Nanotechnology project of Leefmilieu • Conclusions and suggestions

  3. Leefmilieu • Environmental association • Small staff of volunteers + great network • Working on environmental issues that need expert knowledge • Supporting local community groups • Issues: permits of companies, public participation, air pollution, right to know, nanotechnology, livestock industry.

  4. Introduction on nanotechnologie • What are nano particles? (nano = 10-9) • At least in one dimension < 300 nm • ‘Non-manufactured’ unintended: e.g. PM 0.1 air pollution (ultra fine dust) • ‘Manufactured’ • E.g. carbon black in tyres and toner • E.g. medicines and ipods • Risks • Applications

  5. About risks still a lot is unknown

  6. Health Council of the Netherlands wrote in a report on nanotechnology in 2006 The very properties that make nanoparticles so interesting from a technological perspective, such as their high degree of reactivity and ability to cross barriers, could also make them hazardous to people and to the environment.

  7. Health Council of the Netherlands wrote also For the time being, the individuals at the greatest risk are those who work with these particles in various research centres. However, this situation may change when more products containing such particles start to appear on the market. For this reason, it is appropriate to focus on the toxicological risks associated with nanomaterials.

  8. More recent studies • Health risks nanoparticles are unclear (2011) (Gezondheidsrisico’s nanodeeltjes onduidelijk) RIVM Magazine • Oomen, AG et al (2011) Nanomaterial in consumer products. RIVM rapport 320029001/2011.

  9. http://www.rivm.nl/Onderwerpen/Onderwerpen/N/Nanotechnologie

  10. Diameter and surface (nm)

  11. Applications Nanotechnology is used in all type of consumerproducts

  12. Applications Do we know is which products? How do we know? Wound dressing Sheets Acnel lotion Air purifier

  13. http://www.nanotechproject.org/

  14. Project Leefmilieu 2008-2010Nanoparticles and their unknown effects on health and environment • Capacity builing • Workshops on nanotechnology • Students reporting from the literature on nanoproducts (nanosilver, ceriumoxide and titaniumoxide) • Public debate • Contribute to national policies (risks and standards)

  15. Conclusions (1) • Risks of nanotechnology are mostly debated between experts • Experts do not agree, not even about the basic assumptions • Regulation is not in place • Lack of standardization

  16. Conclusions (2) • There is a fear to enter a risk discussion in society • Interests of companies and research play an important role

  17. Our recommendations • Clear definitions • Policy with more precaution • Label nanoproducts • Analyse the costs and the benefits of new products • No data, no market • Research health and evironment risks • Make enforcement by inspectors possible

  18. More publications and links on: www.leefmilieu.nl

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