title: Interactive survey of consumer awareness of nanotechnologies and nanoparticles in consumer products in South Korea.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of our study was to understand consumers' risk awareness and need for relevant information about nanotechnology and nanoparticles contained in products currently being sold in Korea.
  
  
  METHODS
  One thousand and seven adult consumers (aged 20-50 years) were randomly selected from all over South Korea between November 1 and 9, 2010. We surveyed the origin and degree of their concern and their need for information and education regarding nanomaterials.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of the survey results showed no significant differences in responses by sex, age, and level of education, but significant differences were found in responses based on average monthly household income. Our research showed that consumers have vague expectations for and positive image of nanotechnology and nanoproducts but do not clearly understand what they are. In addition, we found that preparing and disseminating information to consumers is required in order to provide correct information about nanotechnology to the public.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A communication system should be established among the multiple stakeholders involved with nanomaterials to address consumer expectations and concerns. Further, a safety evaluation system must be set up, the results of which should be processed by a reliable expert group so they can be disseminated to the public.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University Medical School and College, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Yu-Ri
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University Medical School and College, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Jeong
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
authors.forename: Sung Ha
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, Korea University Medical School and College, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hyo Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.affiliation: Department of Bionanotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam, South Korea.
authors.forename: Seong Soo A
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: An
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Korea University Medical School and College.
authors.forename: Sang Wook
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Son
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Science, Institute of Environmental Medicine for Green Chemistry, Dongguk University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Young Rok
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.affiliation: Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Science and Engineering, Anyang University, Anyang, Korea.
authors.forename: Jae-Eun
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Pie
authors.affiliation: Consumers Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Myoung
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.affiliation: Consumers Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Ja Hei
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University Medical School and College, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Meyoung-Kon
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D049329:Nanostructures; D036103:Nanotechnology; D056910:Republic of Korea; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: consumer characteristics; household income; nanomaterials; questionnaire survey