Friday, May 04, 2007
nanotech and society
CNS - Center for Nanotechnology in Society at ASU
social research on nanotech - particulalrly interesting powerpoint presentation on forecasting science-based innovation - see http://cns.asu.edu/new-at-cns/Bunger.pdf
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Thursday, May 03, 2007
Allianz - New report on risks and rewards of nanotechnology
Quotes: The US, Europe and Japan each spend between 500 million and one billion US dollars a year on nanotech....
The OECD reports that nanotech markets are estimated to reach a value of trillions of US dollars within the decade. However, these values are based on projections including nanotech-based production techniques and those that incorporate only some nano-components....such a wide cross-section of opportunities could bring equally diverse and technically wide-ranging risks. From health to the environment, there is scope for nano-particles not only to present traditional risks but also novel problems. ...
There is a gap between the scope for innovating new uses for nanotech and the corresponding understanding of the consequent risks to humans and the environment. Additionally, the impact of an exposure to humans may not be directly evident till many years later, leading to similar problems as were experienced with asbestos and benzene (an aromatic component of gasoline which has been found to cause cancer)...
Axel Theis, CEO of Allianz Global Risks, comments: "This report shows that nanotech will underpin many of the most important technical and industrial advances of the early 21st century. However its huge scope for beneficial developments must not mask any risk from nanotech to the people who use it or the environment in which it operates."
"Allianz believes that it would not be appropriate to create a general exclusion of nanotech from insurance coverage. However, a general 'wait and see' attitude is also not an option. As a responsible insurer, Allianz has worked with the OECD in this report to stimulate an early, active and positive response to nanotech-related risks from all parties involved."
recommends:
- Independent research into the risk of nanoparticles, exposure routes and their effect on humans and the environment
- A balanced approach to scientific innovation and public safety concerns
- Expanding traditional areas of competence by referencing multi-disciplinary knowledge across economic sectors, institutions and borders
- Strengthening of the evidence base regarding the safe handling of nanoparticles
- Development of comparative risk classification schemes and databases
- Focusing attention of underwriters and risk managers on the critical issues
- Bringing the discussion of nanotechnology to the forefront of insurance
- Foster a dialogue-oriented approach which makes good use of reviews by independent organizations
- Using sustainability as a criterion for vision and success
- Developing a suitable regulatory framework to enable the industry to operate sustainably but safely
Quotes: The US, Europe and Japan each spend between 500 million and one billion US dollars a year on nanotech....
The OECD reports that nanotech markets are estimated to reach a value of trillions of US dollars within the decade. However, these values are based on projections including nanotech-based production techniques and those that incorporate only some nano-components....such a wide cross-section of opportunities could bring equally diverse and technically wide-ranging risks. From health to the environment, there is scope for nano-particles not only to present traditional risks but also novel problems. ...
There is a gap between the scope for innovating new uses for nanotech and the corresponding understanding of the consequent risks to humans and the environment. Additionally, the impact of an exposure to humans may not be directly evident till many years later, leading to similar problems as were experienced with asbestos and benzene (an aromatic component of gasoline which has been found to cause cancer)...
Axel Theis, CEO of Allianz Global Risks, comments: "This report shows that nanotech will underpin many of the most important technical and industrial advances of the early 21st century. However its huge scope for beneficial developments must not mask any risk from nanotech to the people who use it or the environment in which it operates."
"Allianz believes that it would not be appropriate to create a general exclusion of nanotech from insurance coverage. However, a general 'wait and see' attitude is also not an option. As a responsible insurer, Allianz has worked with the OECD in this report to stimulate an early, active and positive response to nanotech-related risks from all parties involved."
recommends:
- Independent research into the risk of nanoparticles, exposure routes and their effect on humans and the environment
- A balanced approach to scientific innovation and public safety concerns
- Expanding traditional areas of competence by referencing multi-disciplinary knowledge across economic sectors, institutions and borders
- Strengthening of the evidence base regarding the safe handling of nanoparticles
- Development of comparative risk classification schemes and databases
- Focusing attention of underwriters and risk managers on the critical issues
- Bringing the discussion of nanotechnology to the forefront of insurance
- Foster a dialogue-oriented approach which makes good use of reviews by independent organizations
- Using sustainability as a criterion for vision and success
- Developing a suitable regulatory framework to enable the industry to operate sustainably but safely
