title: Attenuating risks through regulation: issues for nanotechnology in India.
abstract: The problems in developing risk-based regulation are particularly compounded for a developing country like India, owing to a lack of resources, expertise and regulatory mandate. Nevertheless, it is of utmost importance considering that in the event of some of the risks materializing, developing countries would be ill-equipped to handle and mitigate them. This paper attempts to examine the existing regulatory framework, taking the particular case of the chemicals legislation, and examine whether it could be extended to the regulation of nanomaterials and their risks. Our study indicates that the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 could be applied to nanomaterials but would require substantial amendments. The legislation is very laudable in that it provides for very detailed and minute information reporting and disclosures. This is believed to be very crucial for 'information regulation' of nanotechnology as an intermediate step between unfettered self-regulation and traditional 'command and control' regulation and which could help address the present information deficit and help gain regulatory experience.
authors.affiliation: Science and Technology Area, The Energy and Resources Institute, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003, India.
authors.forename: Indrani
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Barpujari
mesh_terms: D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000633:toxicity*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior