Nanotechnology and other risksPET Course – Risk Communication 21-10-2008

Marga Jacobs m.jacobs@leefmilieu.nl

Programme

– Introducing Leefmilieu (Human Environment)– Nanotechnology – Risks?– Question for you...– Nanotechnology project of Leefmilieu– Coping with environmental issues with clear risk

aspects as NGO in the Netherlands– Question for you…

Vereniging Leefmilieu

• Environmental association• Small, staff of volunteers of whom 5 are paid part

time• Working on issues that need a expert knowlewdge

(on legal and/or environmental issues)• Supporting local community groups • Issues: permits of companies, public participation,

air pollution, right to know and nanotechnology

Nanotechnologie

De technologie van de 21e eeuw…

of het asbestprobleem van de 21e eeuw?

Nanotechnology

Introduction on nanotechnologie

• What are nano particles? (nano = 10-9)– At least in one dimension < 300 nm– ‘Non-manufactured’ unintended: e.g. PM 0.1 air

pollution (ultra fine dust) – ‘Manufactured’

• E.g. carbon black in tyres and toner• E.g. medicines and ipods

• Risks• Applications

Benefits

Example from Museum of Science in Boston

http://www.mos.org/events_activities/videocasts&d=2743

About risks still a lot is unknown

Warnings for risks

Health Council of the Netherlands wrote in a report on nanotechnology in 2006

The very properties that make nanoparticles so interesting from a technological perspective, such as their high degree of reactivity and ability to cross barriers, could also make them hazardous to people and to the environment.

Health Council of the Netherlands wrote also

For the time being, the individuals at the greatest risk are those who work with these particles in various research centres. However, this situation may change when more products containing such particles start to appear on the market. For this reason, it is appropriate to focus on the toxicological risks associated with nanomaterials.

Diameter and surface

(nm)

Applications

• Nanotechnology is used in all type of consumerproducts

Applications

• Do we know is which products?

• How do we know?

Sheets Acnel lotion Wound dressing

Air purifier

Reactions of companies

• What is in it? How does it work?....

Question for you

• What are the primary questions raised by my presentation?

Nanotechnology project of Leefmilieu

• Flyer

Late lessons from early warnings

Hanssen, S.F. and others wrote

Late lessons from early warnings for nanotechnology

Nature nanotechnology, vol 3, august 2008,

www.nature.com/nanotechnology

Environmental issues and risks

• Cancer incidences 12% higher as normal in residentials areas around industrial area during more than 10 years

• Airpollution (PM 10 and smaller) above european levels near (high) schools close to the roads

Question for you

• What are the differences between the cases (nanotechnology, cancercluster, airpollution and children) concerning the risks?

More information

• www.leefmilieu.nl > nanotechnologie

• www.gr.nl

• www.vwa.nl