[Contribution of research to the responsible and sustainable development of nanotechnologies].
The newly-fledged nanotechnologies offer opportunities for social development but uncertainties prevail about their impact on human and environmental health. Right now there is still a huge gap between technological progress and research into the health and safety aspects of nanomaterials. This is clear from the quantity of nano-products already on the market--more than 600--and the public and private funds dedicated to the development of nanotechnologies, which are almost a hundred times those available for research into their effects on health and safety. Estimates have it that by 2014 nanotechnologies will be widely used in our society, and ten million new jobs will be created. Therefore it becomes essential to plan an integrated approach to specific risk analysis at work. The following gaps and needs come to light: limited information; difficulties in relating nanotechnologies and production of nanomaterials to specific areas of application; efforts required to assess the hazards posed by nanomaterials in realistic exposure conditions; ethical issues about nanotechnology in the workplace likely to arise from today's knowledge about the hazards of nanomaterials and the risks they may pose to workers. An integrated approach to research, cooperation and communication strategies is essential if we are to direct our efforts towards responsible and sustainable growth of nanotechnologies.
Iavicoli
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Istituto Superiore per la Prevenzione E la Sicurezza del Lavoro, Dipartimento di Medicina del Lavoro, Centro Ricerche, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00040 Monteporzio Catone, Roma, Italy. sergio.iavicoli@ispesl.it
Boccuni
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D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000592:standards*; D012106:Research