title: Comparative analysis of nanotechnology awareness in consumers and experts in South Korea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the need for public communication about nanotechnologies and nanoparticles by providing a comparative analysis of the differences in risk awareness of nanotechnologies and nanoparticles between consumers and experts.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 1,007 consumers and 150 experts participated in this study. A questionnaire was prepared examining their awareness of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials and their view of the necessity for information and education about the latest nanotechnologies and nanomaterials.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our results indicated that the expert group recognized that they knew more than consumers about nanotechnology and that there was a need for relevant education in nanotechnology and nanomaterials among consumers. We found that the consumer group had a more positive attitude toward nanotechnology, even though they did not know much about it. Moreover, the consumer group was inconclusive about the type of information on nanotechnology deemed necessary for the public, as well as the suitable party to be responsible for education and for delivering the information.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An education and promotion program targeting consumers should be established to overcome the differences between consumers and experts in their awareness of nanotechnology. Specifically, the establishment of concepts for nanomaterials or nanoproducts is required immediately. With clear standards on nanomaterials, consumers can make informed decisions in selecting nanoproducts in the market.
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, Gyeonggi, South Korea.
authors.forename: Seong Soo A
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: An
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Korea University Medical School and College, Seoul, South Korea.
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, Gyeonggi, South 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: D003258:Consumer Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures; D036103:Nanotechnology; D056910:Republic of Korea
keywords: comparative analysis; consumers; experts; nanomaterials; survey