Nanotechnology and other risks PET Course – Risk Communication Marga Jacobs

Programme –Introducing Leefmilieu (Human Environment) –Nanotechnology –Risks? –Question for you... –Nanotechnology project of Leefmilieu –Coping with environmental issues with clear risk aspects as NGO in the Netherlands –Question for you…

Vereniging Leefmilieu Environmental association Small, staff of volunteers of whom 5 are paid part time Working on issues that need a expert knowlewdge (on legal and/or environmental issues) Supporting local community groups Issues: permits of companies, public participation, air pollution, right to know and nanotechnology

Nanotechnologie De technologie van de 21e eeuw… of het asbestprobleem van de 21e eeuw? Nanotechnology

Introduction on nanotechnologie What are nano particles? (nano = ) –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

Benefits Example from Museum of Science in Boston

About risks still a lot is unknown

Warnings for risks

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.

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.

Diameter and surface (nm)

Applications Nanotechnology is used in all type of consumerproducts

Applications Do we know is which products? How do we know? SheetsAcnel lotion Wound dressing Air purifier

Reactions of companies What is in it? How does it work?....

Question for you What are the primary questions raised by my presentation?

Nanotechnology project of Leefmilieu Flyer

Late lessons from early warnings Hanssen, S.F. and others wrote Late lessons from early warnings for nanotechnology Nature nanotechnology, vol 3, august 2008,

Environmental issues and risks Cancer incidences 12% higher as normal in residentials areas around industrial area during more than 10 years Airpollution (PM 10 and smaller) above european levels near (high) schools close to the roads

Question for you What are the differences between the cases (nanotechnology, cancercluster, airpollution and children) concerning the risks?

More information > nanotechnologie