IRGC projects - Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology Risk Governance
A particular concern of IRGC is that the opportunities flowing from new technologies and innovations – particularly when these technologies have the capacity to alleviate major global concerns – are not forgone due to inadequate or inappropriate risk governance, including poor communication. Nanotechnology is an important and rapidly growing field of scientific and practical innovation that will fundamentally transform our understanding of how materials and devices interact with human and natural environments.
Nanotechnology in Food and Cosmetics
Qualitative surveys of consumer opinion provide evidence of a positive to indifferent attitude towards nanotechnologies and their application, with one exception: foods. Concerns about cosmetics are also rising and consumer advocacy groups and independent experts have recommended that more risk assessments should be conducted before cosmetics containing nanoscale materials are put on the market. Public authorities in several countries have stressed the need for extended risk assessments and careful oversight.