title: Scientists versus regulators: precaution, novelty & regulatory oversight as predictors of perceived risks of engineered nanomaterials.
abstract: Engineered nanoscale materials (ENMs) present a difficult challenge for risk assessors and regulators. Continuing uncertainty about the potential risks of ENMs means that expert opinion will play an important role in the design of policies to minimize harmful implications while supporting innovation. This research aims to shed light on the views of 'nano experts' to understand which nanomaterials or applications are regarded as more risky than others, to characterize the differences in risk perceptions between expert groups, and to evaluate the factors that drive these perceptions. Our analysis draws from a web-survey (N = 404) of three groups of US and Canadian experts: nano-scientists and engineers, nano-environmental health and safety scientists, and regulatory scientists and decision-makers. Significant differences in risk perceptions were found across expert groups; differences found to be driven by underlying attitudes and perceptions characteristic of each group. Nano-scientists and engineers at the upstream end of the nanomaterial life cycle perceived the lowest levels of risk, while those who are responsible for assessing and regulating risks at the downstream end perceived the greatest risk. Perceived novelty of nanomaterial risks, differing preferences for regulation (i.e. the use of precaution versus voluntary or market-based approaches), and perceptions of the risk of technologies in general predicted variation in experts' judgments of nanotechnology risks. Our findings underscore the importance of involving a diverse selection of experts, particularly those with expertise at different stages along the nanomaterial lifecycle, during policy development.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Compass Resource Management Ltd, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Christian E H
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Beaudrie
authors.affiliation: Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Terre
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Satterfield
authors.affiliation: Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Liu Institute for Global Issues, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Milind
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kandlikar
authors.affiliation: National Science Foundation (NSF) Centre for Nanotechnology in Society, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Barbara H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Harthorn
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D002170:Canada; D004522:Educational Status; D004782:Environmental Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D062069:Inventions; D008297:Male; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety; D012737:Sex Factors; D012926:Social Control, Formal; D014481:United States