- Non Governmental Reports & Articles - Governmental Reports & Articles

• Non Gouvernmental Reports & Articles

Slow federal action to oversee nanotechnology leaves 'room at the bottom' - Nanotech Project, USA, April 2008

State and local governments often have adopted trailblazing initiatives to address environmental, health and safety concerns in advance or in lieu of federal action. With nanotechnology, an emerging field of science with unknown risks, this practice is continuing, a landmark study has found. Elected officials in Cambridge, MA, and Madison, WI, have also begun to look at similar reporting mechanisms.

Regulation of Nanotechnology in Consumer Products - Innovation Society, Switzerland, October 2007

The new report to the NanoRegulation Conference containing short summaries of the presentations, selected slides and the results from the workshop discussions deals with nanotechnology in consumer products from different points of view (industry, insurances, NGOs, regulators) as well as the appropriateness of different voluntary measures.

Nanotech – small scale, big questions, Which?, UK, September 2007

Which? is concerned that the UK Government is failing to address fundamental uncertainties about how some materials will behave at this small scale. In the rush to put nano-products on the market, the potential health and environmental risks are not being properly addressed. "The public needs to be consulted and involved in the decisions about the issues raised by nanotech."

Which?'s ten point action plan includes:
- Establishing a strategic stakeholder group to push the actions needed
- Prioritising research into health and environmental risks
- Making sure the public is consulted through a UK-wide debate about the direction of nanotechnologies

More Soldiers In The Laboratory: the militarisation of science and technology - an update - Scientists for Global Responsibility, August 2007
Briefing which updates SGR's earlier research into the way that the UK military sector – including government departments and major corporations – has disproportionate influence over science and technology. It also highlights the continuing difficulties in obtaining information on military involvement in R&D, despite the existence of the Freedom of Information Act.

Principles for Nanotech Oversight - ICTA, AFL-CIO, FoE, IUF, ETC Group, Third World Network, Loka Institute, ... July 2007
The coalition's declaration outlines eight fundamental principles necessary for adequate and effective oversight and assessment of the emerging field of nanotechnology, citing Risks to the Public, Workers, and the Environment.
I. A Precautionary Foundation
II. Mandatory Nano-specific Regulations
III. Health and Safety of the Public and Workers
IV. Environmental Protection
V. Transparency
VI. Public Participation
VII. Inclusion of Broader Impacts
VIII. Manufacturer Liability

Nanomaterials: Undersized, Unregulated and Already Here - Corporate Watch, 2007
Just as nanomaterial commercialisation has overtaken research into safety, it has also left the regulators lagging behind. Nanomaterials currently exist in a regulatory vacuum with no laws in the UK, or anywhere else in the world, to deal with the specific set of problems they raise. Despite this, over 100
products are already on the market, unlabelled and effectively unregulated.

EPA and Nanotechnology: Oversight for the 21st Century - Woodrow Wilson’s Nanotechnology Project, May 2007
The nanotechnology revolution provides an opportunity to institute new kinds of regulation, to create an oversight system for nanotechnology that will be more effective but less intrusive than existing forms of regulation and that will require fewer resources from both the public and private sectors. Nanotechnology can also be a catalyst for the revitalization of EPA.

Nanotechnology’s Invisible Threat - Small Science, Big Consequences - the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), May 2007
The report accuses the U.S. government of gross failure to use its authority to protect citizens from the potentially dangerous effects of nano-scale chemistry, according to scientists and policy experts at NRDC.

Thinking Big About Things Small: Creating an Effective Oversight System for Nanotechnology - Woodrow Wilson’s Nanotechnology Project, March 2007
The report urges policymakers to focus more attention on how core assumptions about risk assessment and risk management that underlie existing health and environmental regulations will translate from the macro world to the nano world. It also emphasizes that how the government ultimately oversees nanotechnology will have major impacts on business strategies, intellectual property, and the evolving structure of the industry. It argues that these issues should be discussed now, in the early stages of commercialization, rather than later.

Nanotechnology: From the Science to the Social - Economic and Social Research Council, March 2007
This report is the follow-up to 'The Social and Economic Challenges of Nanotechnology', published in 2003. This excellent report had a world-wide impact. It was invaluable in cutting through the hype to identify important issues for research – and indeed society as a whole. This 'second edition' brings the arguments up to date with reference to developments in science and technology, public engagement and the global economy.

Nanotechnology Risk Perceptions: The Influence of Affect and Values. - Woodrow Wilson’s Nanotechnology Project, Cultural Cognition Project at Yale Law School, March 2007
"People who know little or nothing about 'nanotechnology' instantly react in an emotionally charged way to the concept, and their opinions divide along cultural lines as they learn more about it," according to Dan M. Kahan, the Elizabeth K. Dollard Professor at Yale Law School.

Gaining a competitive edge - Materials Today, January-February 2007
Materials technology can enhance sporting performance, audience enjoyment, and increase athletes’ safety. But is it always fair?

Nanotechnology’s Invisible Threat: Small Science, Big Consequences - Natural Resource Defense Council, December 2006
From mascara to tennis balls to baby wipes, tiny nanoparticles are hidden in many of the products we use every day. But nanotechnologies are still new, and there are big unanswered questions about their potentially harmful effects on our health and the environment. Current regulations fail to guarantee consumers that these new technologies are safe to use.
That’s why NRDC is pushing the government to move quickly to catch up to the technology and ensure the safety of our consumer products.

Nanotechnologies and the Precautionary Principle - Natural Resource Defense Council, 2006
NGO’s support a precautionary policy for nanomaterials:
1. Prohibit the untested or unsafe use of nanomaterials
2. Conduct full life-cycle EHS impact assessments as a prerequisite to commercialization; assess nanomaterials as new substances, since unique physical properties impart unique hazard profiles
3. Facilitate full and meaningful participation by public and workers in nanotechnologies development and control; assess the social and ethical impacts of nanotechnologies
4. Act on early warnings to protect communities and workers.

Characterizing the Environmental, Health, and Safety Implications of Nanotechnology: Where Should the Federal Government Go From Here? - ICF International, December 2006
ICF analyzes the U.S. Federal Government’s research efforts to answer environmental, health, and safety (EHS) questions about nanotechnology. The report describes an urgent need to chart a more aggressive course when it comes to answering such questions and concludes that sound management is as important as good science. In the report, ICF builds an integrated framework for addressing the challenge and provides 14 specific recommendations about the path forward for U.S. policy.

Safe handling of nanotechnology - Nature, USA, November 2006
The pursuit of responsible nanotechnologies can be tackled through a series of grand challenges, argue Andrew D. Maynard and his co-authors.

--> Facing the Dangers of Nanotech - MIT Technology Review, USA, November 2006
The author of this new report explains why it's important to act now in order to avoid the dangers of nanotechnology.

Human enhancement from different perspectives - Nanoforum, UE, November 2006
For decades, there has been a debate on the acceptability of enhancing the bodies and minds of human persons. This discussion has intensified due to new technical possibilities offered by recent breakthroughs in nanotechnologies and other technologies converging on the nanometer scale.

The future of nanotechnology. We need to talk - Nanologue, UE, November 2006
The report presents three contrasting plausible, realistic and coherent scenarios of Nanotechnology development in Europe by 2015 based on findings from previous project phases.
In the first scenario, Disaster Recovery, a lack of regulation results in a major accident. Public concern about nanotechnology is high and technology development is slow and cautious.
In the second scenario, Now We're Talking, strong regulation and accountability systems are in place. The technology has been shaped by societal needs and strong health and safety concerns.
In the last scenario, Powering Ahead, scientific progress has been faster than expected.

A Review of Current Practices in the Nanotechnology Industry - Phase Two Report: Survey of current practices in the nanotechnology workplace - Prepared for the International Council on Nanotechnology by the University of California, Santa Barbara, November 2006
This report presents the findings of an international survey of current environmental health and safety (EHS) and product stewardship practices in the global nanotechnology industry.

Nanotechnology and Construction - Nanoforum, November 2006, UE
This report published by Nanoforum describes the impact that nanotechnology is having in the construction industry. It includes an analysis of applications in concrete; steel; wood; glass; coatings; fire protection and detection; and sustainability and the environment. A survey of experts in the construction industry reveals their opinions on the understanding of nanotechnology by the industry, where R&D is going and what might be needed to achieve these goals.

Nanotechnology in Consumer Products - Nanoforum, October 2006, UE
This report provides an overview of nanotechnological improved consumer products on the market. In addition a comprehensive list of effects and innovations is evaluating what is really "nano" in todays nanotechnology products.

Review of Safety Practices in the Nanotechnology Industry - Phase One Report: Current Knowledge and Practices Regarding Environmental Health and Safety in the Nanotechnology Workplace - Prepared for the International Council on Nanotechnology by the University of California, Santa Barbara, October 2006
In Phase One, recent and ongoing efforts to examine current health and safety practices in the nanotechnology workplace, as well as efforts to assess product stewardship issues are documented and summarized.

Consumers Union testimony on nanoengineered ingredients in food - Presented to the FDA on October 10, 2006.
"Action to regulate nanoengineered food, drugs, and cosmetics is urgently needed.
Public disclosure and transparency is important with respect to risk information and the use of nanomaterials in consumer products..."

Nanotechnology: Risks, Benefits, and Navigating the Unknowns - Museum of Science, Boston, September 2006
Forum agendas, discussion questions, and Powerpoint presentations from Jackie Isaacs, Center for High-Rate Nanomanufacturing at Northeastern University, and Melissa Hoffer, Nanotechnology Practice Group, WilmerHale.

Assessing the Environmental Risks for Australia - Earth Policy Centre, September 2006
"With initial scientific studies indicating that nanomaterials present a range of risks to human health and the environment, the current regulatory oversight of nanomaterials in Australia is inadequate. Until the federal government can legitimately uphold the public interest by providing a healthy environment and protecting consumers and workers from the harms of nanomaterials, a full moratorium on the release of all nanomaterials should be implemented immediately".

Public Awareness of Nanotechnology: What do Americans know? Who do they trust? - the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the independent research firm Peter D. Hart Research Associates, September 2006
While more Americans are now aware of the emerging science, the majority of the public still has heard little to nothing about it. The poll also finds that the public looks to the federal government and independent parties to oversee nanotechnology research and development.

Nanoparticles - Actual Knowledge about Occupational Health and Safety Risks and Prevention Measures - Institut de recherche Robert Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), September 2006
The second report (see below the first one) summarizes current knowledge about nanoparticles, their synthesis and applications, health and safety risks, and the challenges in evaluating occupational exposure. Also discussed are nanoparticle-related occupational health and safety control and prevention aspects.

Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food - the Woodrow Wilson Center and the University of Minnesota’s Center for Science, Technology, and Public Policy, September 2006
The report estimates possible areas and timeframes for future nanotechnology-based food and agriculture applications. It takes an early look at potential benefits and risks, and it explores possible areas and needs for environmental, health and safety oversight.

Molecular Nanotechnology and National Security - Air & Space Power Journal, September 2006
The author asserts that the manipulation and control of nanotechnology will spawn a technological revolution that not only will create benefits but also will cause an avalanche of unprecedented problems and threats. Commander Vandermolen suggests that the United States take the lead in creating a strategy of international regulation.

Health Effects of Nanoparticles - Institut de recherche Robert Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), August 2006
Nanotechnologies are considered as the subject of the next industrial revolution. Research in this area is growing strongly and all industrialized countries see in it possible developments and applications in many fields as well as potential vast economic impacts. But what are the risks to workers?

Engaging Science: Thoughts, deeds, analysis and action - Wellcome Trust, August 2006
The report ewamines what we have learned about the relationships between leading researchers, practitioners and commentators over the past decade and what the implications are for future practice. Topics include public attitudes to science, the role of the media in public engagement, the scientists' perspective, implications for education, linking the public to policy making and the role of campaigning groups.

Nanotechnology, the Plastics of the 21st century? - Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc., July 2006
This report includes information on the relationship between insurance and innovation, an overview of nanotechnology, its benefits to the global economy, associated risks, regulation and the likely evolution of insurance coverage.

Nanotechnology: Small Science, Big Questions! - Friends of the Earth, July 2006
The report emphasizes the magnitude of the changes that will come from the nanotechnologies. It focuses also on potential negatives. Friends of the Earth Australia is calling for a moratorium on all commercial research, development and release of nanotechnological materials and products.
-->David Berube’s blog NanoHype critic of the report

Good, Better, Best: The Human Quest for Enhancement - American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), June 2006
Human Enhancement (HE) is about applying science and technologies to expand human capacities.
One major factor driving HE development is the convergence of four research areas: nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science (NBIC). Whether the technology appears to be right around the corner or decades into the future, it is important to reflect on the implications of this class of technologies.

White Paper on Nanotechnology Risk Governance - International Risk Governance Council, June 2006
The report uses the IRGC’s risk governance framework to analyse and identify current deficits in nanotechnology’s risk governance today. We have categorised nanotechnology in two distinct but overlapping frames, one being for technologies and applications that are already on, or will shortly be available on the market and the other being for the longer-term. Each of these frames poses a different set of risk governance concerns, although some concerns are common to both frames. We then offer initial recommendations for how decision makers may choose to deal withthese risk governance gaps.

CTA Legal Petition on FDA's Failure to Regulate Health Threats from Nanomaterials - CTA, May 2006
The International Center for Technology Assessment (CTA) and a coalition of consumer, health, and environmental groups file a formal legal petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) calling on the agency to address the human health and environmental risks of untested and unlabeled nanomaterials in consumer products (including sunscreens). The petition is the first legal action on the potential human health and environmental risks of nanotechnology filed in the United States.

Nanomaterials, Sunscreens and Cosmetics: Small Ingredients, Big Risks - Friends of the Earth, May 2006
The report details the extensive use of nanomaterials in more than 116 sunscreens, cosmetics and personal care products currently on the market, despite a lack of independent safety assessment and regulation. It states that many types of nanoparticles pose risks to consumers, workers and the environment.

First Policy Report - The Nanotechnology Engagement Group, 2006
It sets out our framework for comparing public engagement projects, gives an initial analysis of the current range of projects and explores options for improving public engagement on nanotechnologies.

The Nano-Regulation dialogue platform: A multi-stakeholder-dialogue-approach towards a sustainable regulatory framework for nanotechnolgies and nanosciences - The Innovation Society, March 2006
This report describes the approach and some of the results of the stakeholder platform "Nano-Regulation” which addresses safety, risk and regulation issues of nanotechnology.
In spring 2005 the platform „Nano-Regulation”, an international multi-stakeholder-dialogue-forum was started in Switzerland. The platform was launched as a network of several industry, insurance, research, retail, government and NGO organisations.

Societal implications of nanoscience and nanotechnology in developing countries - Current Science, March 2006
The societal implications of the newly emerging fields need to be known and understood.
Nanotechnology, unlike any other technology, can find applications in virtually all areas of human life. In spite of being an infant at its evolution, some of the known issues related to nanotechnology suggest a wide spectrum of potential societal impacts. The current public nano-discourse provides sociology with a unique opportunity to switch from a merely passive, observational role to an active participating one, especially where the key players involved meet to find joint and concerted solutions for development.

The Nanotech Report, 4th Edition key findings and table of contents - Lux Research, 2006
The fourth edition of the Nanotech Report assesses the commercial and investment implications of nanotechnology.

Toxic Potential of Materials at the Nanolevel - Science Magazine, February 2006
Nanomaterials are increasingly being used for commercial purposes. Their properties differ substantially from those bulk materials of the same composition, allowing them to perform exceptional feats of conductivity, reactivity, and optical sensitivity. Possible undesirable results of these capabilities are harmful interactions with biological systems and the environment, with the potential to generate toxicity. The establishment of principles and test procedures to ensure safe manufacture and use of nanomaterials in the marketplace is urgently required and achievable.

Managing the Effects of Nanotechnology - The Woodrow Wilson Center, January 2006
This paper reviews the options currently available to provide oversight, looking at the entire suite of federal government regulations. It concludes that nanotechnology is difficult to address using existing regulations, that a new law may be required to manage potential risks of nanotechnology and that new mechanisms and institutional capabilities are needed.

Getting Nanotechnology Right the First Time - Environmental Defense, Summer 2005
The National Academy of Sciences article summarizes Environmental Defense's perspective on this evolving science.

Environmental Defense Envestors issue on nanotechnology - Environmental Defense, Summer 2005
The report includes feature article, excerpt of Wall Street Journal opinion piece (by DuPont CEO and Environmental Defense president), and an interview with a SwissRe risk specialist.

An introduction - The Nanotechnology Engagement Group, 2005
The purpose of this paper is to describe briefly what the NEG hopes to achieve and how it will operate. It starts by setting out the context for public engagement on nanotechnologies in the UK. Secondly, it describes the role of the NEG in linking public engagement research, nanoscience research, government policy and wider public debate. Thirdly, it describes the research and dissemination goals of the NEG. The paper concludes with an outline of the NEG»s terms of referenceand work plan.

Nanotechnology's Double-Edged Sword - Environmental Defense, May 2005
A feature piece on this emerging technology.

Report of the Madison Area Citizen Consensus Conference on Nanotechnology - April 2005
Conclusions and recommendations developed during Madison’s first consensus conference on nanotechnology, regarding health & safety regulations, media coverage and information availability, creation of government bodies, research and research funding, military and surveillance, public involvement.

NanoGeoPolitics - ETC Group (Erosion, Technology, & Concentration), 2005. Canada
At the Gleneagles Summit, the G8 saw 'More Science' as the South's solution to poverty and global warming. Behind the scenes, the leading nano nations are rushing to set the rules for global nanotechnology governance.

Nanotechnology: Tiny particles promise much, but could pose big risk - Natural Resources Defense Council, 2005
The article emphazises the fact that very little is known about the risks nanotechnology may pose to people, wildlife or the environment. It decries the inadequacy of federal or state regulations, which enables the industry to continue to market products containing nanoparticles. It ends with recommandations to the federal government.

Soldiers in the Laboratory: military involvement in science and technology ­ and some alternatives - Executive Summary - Scientists for Global Responsibility, January 2005
Summary of a report which documents the power and influence of the military in science, engineering and technology (SET) in the UK over the past 15 years, and investigates whether some reallocation of the resources that the military currently devotes to weapons-related SET would contribute better to the goals of peace, social justice and environmental sustainability

Down on the Farm: The Impact of Nano-scale Technologies on Food and Agriculture - ETC Group, 2004
No government has developed a regulatory regime that addresses the nano-scale or the societal impacts of the invisibly small. A handful of food and nutrition products containing invisible and unregulated nano-scale additives are already commercially available. Likewise, a number of pesticides formulated at the nano-scale are on the market and have been released in the environment. "Down on the Farm" is the first comprehensive look at how nano-scale technologies will affect farmers, food and agriculture.

Langdon Winner's testimony to the Committee on Science of the U.S. House of Representatives on The Societal Implications of Nanotechnology - 2003
"Should we continue long-standing efforts to conquer and dominate nature rather than seek harmony with natural structures and processes? Should we actively promote a path development in which technical means become the driving force that shapes social ends? Is it wise to experiment with technological applications likely to produce irreversible effects?"

The Big Down: From Genomes to Atoms. Technologies Converging at the Nano-scale - ETC Group (Erosion, Technology, & Concentration), 2003. Canada
This report describes and analyzes the convergence of nano-scale technologies and their potential societal impacts. Its goal is to translate complex scientific information and to catalyze widespread public debate.

Future Technologies, Todays Choices - Greenpeace, 2003
Greenpeace commissioned a comprehensive review of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence/robotics developments from Imperial College London, which document existing applications and analysed current research and development (R&D), the main players behind these developments, and the associated incentives and risks.
--> A critic of the report by the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology

Nanotubes, nanoshells, what are the consequences?; Nanotech advancing at warp speed - Networking For A Better Future, 2003

There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom - Richard Feynman's talk, APS, 1959
"Why cannot we write the entire 24 volumes of the Encyclopedia Brittanica on the head of a pin?"

• Governmental & Institutional Reports & Articles

National Science Foundation and National Nanotechnology Initiative Reports

The National Nanotechnology Initiative: Overview, Reauthorization, and Appropriations Issues - US Congressional Research Service, February 2008
This report provides an overview of nanotechnology, the National Nanotechnology Initiative, possible reauthorization of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-153), and appropriations issues.

Characterising the Potential Risks posed by Engineered Nanoparticles - UK DEFRA, December 2007

Environment Minister Phil Woolas urged the UK research community and the nanotechnology industry to fill the gaps in our understanding of the potential risks posed by nanomaterials so that the public can have confidence in the safety of products.

US National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic plan - December 2007

The 2007 NNI Strategic Plan describes the vision, goals, and priorities of the NNI to ensure that the United States derives growing economic benefits and improved quality of life for its citizens and remains a global leader in nanotechnology R&D in the years to come.

Current Developments/Activities on the Safety of Manufactured Nanomaterials - OECD, 2007
The report compiles information provided by member countries and other delegations on current developments on the safety of manufactured nanomaterials in their countries or organizations and also on current activities related to nanotechnologies and nanomaterials in other International Organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Nanotechnologies and Ethics: COMEST Policy Recommendations - UNESCO, 2007

What health and environmental issues arise with the use of new materials produced by nanoscale technologies? How might nanoscale devices be controlled, and what concerns attend military and biomedical applications of nanotechnologies? What opportunities might these bring for international cooperation addressing the most pressing needs of developing countries?

Risk Assessment and management of engineered nanoparticles - Swiss Federal Offices, July 2007

The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) have published a new report providing a comprehensive overview of current knowledge in several areas. It serves as a basis to the deduction of recommended actions and measures to protect employees, the population and the environment.

Defense Nanotechnology Research and Development Program - US Department of Defense, April 2007
The Department of Defense (DoD) has a long history of supporting innovative research and development efforts for the future advancement of war fighter and battle systems capabilities. Scientific breakthroughs and advances in the last ten years demonstrate the potential for nanotechnology to impact a tremendous number of key capabilities for future war fighting: chemical and biological warfare defense; high performance materials for platforms and weapons; unprecedented information technology; revolutionary energy and energetic materials; and uninhabited vehicles and miniature satellites.

Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: A Review of Government's Progress on its Policy Commitments - Council for Science and Technology (CST), UK, March 2007
The balance between research that develops new applications of nanotechnologies and that which provides the necessary underpinning for its safe and responsible development must be addressed.

Ethics and nanotechnology: a basis for action - Commission de l’éthique de la science et de la technologie, Québec

The report consists of three chapters devoted to the scientific, legal and ethical implications of nanotechnology. In its ethical assessment of nanotechnology, the Commission is upholding the protection of health and the environment, as well as respect for many values such as dignity, liberty, the integrity of the person, respect for the person, quality of life, respect for privacy, justice and equity, transparency and democracy.

Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: A Review of Government's Progress on its Policy Commitments - Council for Science and Technology (CST), March 2007
The main conclusions of the CST's report: Britain may be falling behind in its engagement with the fast developing field of nanotechnologies. And the Government hasn’t made the progress it promised in encouraging research into the possible risks stemming from developments in this new field. However there has been good progress in support for standards and metrology and in minimising workplace and public exposure to nanomaterials.

Nanotechnology: The Future is Coming Sooner Than You Think - A joint Economic Committee study, United States Congress, March 2007
This paper begins with a description of what nanotechnology is and how it relates to previous scientific advances. It then describes the most likely future development of different technologies in a variety of fields. The paper also reviews the government’s current nanotechnology policy and makes some suggestions for improvement.

Ethical issues raised by nanosciences, nanotechnologies and health - Comité Consultatif National d’Ethique pour les Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, France, February 2007
The recommendations follow the precautionary principle, which implies more [the need for] fundamental research on risks before diffusing nano-applications. It also implies more transparency on nanotechnologies researches that is not currently effective because of the requirements for confidentiality related to industrial applications.

Final Nanotechnology White Paper - Environmental Protection Agency, February 2007
The report provides a basic description of nanotechnology, potential environmental benefits of nanotechnology, risk assessment issues specific to nanotechnology, a discussion of responsible development of nanotechnology and the EPA’s statutory mandates, an extensive review of research needs for both environmental applications and implications of nanotechnology, etc.

Ethics and Nanotechnologies: a basis for actions - The Ethics Commission of Quebec, Canada, November 2006
The report discusses trends in nanoscience and nanotechnology, the relevance of the present legal framework and ethical concerns and presents 8 recommendations to the government. The report is published in French, with extensive summaries in English and Spanish

A Matter of Size: Triennial Review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative - The National Academy of Sciences, November 2006
This report presents the results of a review that addresses the economic impact of nanotechnology developments and provides a
benchmark of U.S. R&D efforts relative to those undertaken by foreign competitors. In addition, it offers an assessment of the current status of responsible development of nanotechnology and comments on the feasibility of molecular self-assembly.

Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties, Two-year review of progress on Government actions - The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, October 2006
Condemning the government's efforts as "not [having] been effective", the report criticises the government's lack of control over the commercial development of nanotechnologies

Characterising the potential risks posed by engineered nanoparticles - A progress report - the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK, October 2006
In November 2005 a first research report set out a programme of research objectives to characterise the potential risks posed by nanotechnologies.
This new report provides an overall picture of progress since the first research report. As well as providing stakeholders with a general update, its publication is intended to further encourage a co-ordinated and informed approach to addressing this agenda, both within the UK and internationally.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials - The Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on Technology, September 2006
The document identifies environmental, health, and safety (EHS) research and information needs related to understanding and management of potential risks of engineered nanoscale materials.
The document will be used by Federal agencies participating in the National Nanotechnology Initiative to inform and guide research programs. It also communicates to industry, universities, and other nongovernment research entities approaches for obtaining the knowledge and understanding necessary to enable risk assessment and management of nanomaterials.

Report on Nanosciences and nanotechnology: an action plan for Europe 2005-2009 - European Parliament, September 2006
The report stresses the need to increase publicly funded investment in R&D, saying that world-class R&D infrastructure is needed for the EU to remain competitive in nanosciences. The EU must also clarify the legal and business environment for these technologies and create a nanoscience patent monitoring system governed by the European Patent Office.

Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Risks for Humans and the Environment - German Federal Environment Agency, August 2006
The report provides a summary of the knowledge gained so far on opportunities and risks of nanotechnology. This outline considers both the potential benefits for the environment to be expected from this innovative technology and the potential adverse effects on the environment and possible health risks as well as approaches to reduce such adverse effects.

The Ethics and Politics of Nanotechnology - UNESCO, 2006
The Brochure describes the science of nanotechnology and presents some of the ethical, legal and political issues that face the international community in the near future.

Nanotechnology - Applications, Trends and Risks - Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Avril 2006
BfR gathers up-to-date information on nano particles in consumer-related application areas

Review of the adequacy of current regulatory regimes to secure effective regulation of nanoparticles created by nanotechnology Health and Safety Executive - UK, March 2006
The reports discusses issues arising in relation to the following:
- whether or not nanoparticles are covered by the scope of the regulations for which HSE has responsibility
- whether or not the requirements of these regulations are appropriate and sufficient to protect human health in relation to occupational exposure to nanoparticles (this does not include the availability of advice relevant to nanoparticles).

Draft report of FSA regulatory review - FSA, UK, March 2006
This report presents the findings of a review by the Food Standards Agency to identify potential gaps in regulation or risk assessment relating to the use of nanotechnologies and the potential deliberate or adventitious presence of manufactured nanomaterials in food.

External Review Draft Nanotechnology Paper - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Dec. 2, 2005
Science Policy Council, Washington, D.C. Report
The draft white paper describes the technology, and provides a discussion of the potential environmental benefits of nanotechnology and its applications. Risk management issues and the Agency’s statutory mandates are outlined, followed by an extensive discussion of risk assessment issues. The paper identifies research needs for both environmental applications and implications of nanotechnology and concludes with recommendations on next steps for addressing science policy issues and research needs.

A scoping study into the manufacture and use of nanomaterials in the UK - DEFRA, UK, 2005
This report is the result of a 3-month research project to consider the current and short-term future scope of the manufacture and use of nanoparticles and nanotubes in the UK.

Securing the Promise of Nanotechnology: Is U.S. Law Up to the Job? - Prepared by the Environmental Law Institute and the Woodrow Wilson Center, May 2005
The report summarizes the output of a multi-stakeholder dialogue which brought together noted scientists, lawyers, and policymakers to examine how US laws and regulations, as well as additional means of governance such as voluntary programs and industry standards, can be used effectively to address the environmental, health, and safety implications of nanotechnologies.

Report on the South Carolina Citizens’ School of Nanotechnology - University of South Carolina, Spring 2004
The report presents the background and organization of the School of nanotechnology , the participants, the content (speakers, topics and readings), insights and recommendations, and participants’ unedited comments.

Nanoparticles: An occupational hygiene review - Health & Safety Executive, Suffolk United Kingdom, 2004
The report reviews processes for the deliberate development and manufacture of nanoparticle products and assesses that more that 1,000,000 workers in the UK may be exposed to nanoparticles via incidental production in processes such as welding and refining. It concludes that the exposure of workers arising from the production of nanoparticles has not been adequately assessed yet.

Nanotechnologies: A Preliminary Risk Analysis - European Commission, March 2004
The first part consists of outcomes—a preliminary risk analysis as well as a general statement and a concept note on a hazard trigger algorithm as a potential prioritization tool for use by regulators, which follow up on work initiated during the workshop by two working groups. The second part contains a collection of short contributions by the invited experts, the terms of reference, and the agenda.

Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: Opportunities and Uncertainties - Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering, 2004
The report illustrates the fact that nanotechnologies offer many benefits both now and in the future but that public debate is needed about their development. It also highlights the immediate need for research to address uncertainties about the health and environmental effects of nanoparticles – one small area of nanotechnologies. It also makes recommendations about regulation to control exposure to nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology, Small Matter, Many Unknowns - Swiss Reinsurance Company, 2004
Swiss Re investigates the opportunities and risks of nanotechnology from an insurance perspective.

Nanoscale science and engineering for agriculture and food systems - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2003
The report resulting from a national planning workshop conducted November 18-19, 2002, identifies opportunities and challenges to revolutionize agriculture and food systems through nanotechnology research and education.

Societal Implications of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - NSET Workshop - Mihail C. Roco and William Sims Bainbridge, National Science Foundation, 2001
This report outlines some potential areas for research into societal implications of nanotechnology.
Research on societal implications will help the nation take advantage of new technology sooner, better, and with greater confidence. Moreover, sober, technically competent research on the interactions between nanotechnology and society will help mute speculative hype and dispel some of the unfounded fears that sometimes accompany dramatic advances in scientific understanding.

To find out more:
Websites - Multimedia
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The NanoResources don't necessarily reflect the views of NanoCafes organizers. Coming from varied sources with different points of view, they make a range of perspectives available, so people can see the diversity of debates currently going on. Sharing different perspectives is essential to healthy citizen deliberation and democracy.