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Nanotechnology and other risks PET Course – Risk Communication 21-10-2008

Join the PET Course on Risk Communication to understand the risks associated with nanotechnology and other environmental issues. Learn about the potential hazards and benefits of nanotechnology and the importance of effective communication. Presented by Marga Jacobs on 21-10-2008.

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Nanotechnology and other risks PET Course – Risk Communication 21-10-2008

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  1. Nanotechnology and other risksPET Course – Risk Communication 21-10-2008 Marga Jacobs m.jacobs@leefmilieu.nl

  2. 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…

  3. 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

  4. Nanotechnologie De technologie van de 21e eeuw… Nanotechnology of het asbestprobleem van de 21e eeuw?

  5. 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

  6. Benefits Example from Museum of Science in Boston http://www.mos.org/events_activities/videocasts&d=2743

  7. About risks still a lot is unknown

  8. Warnings for risks

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Diameter and surface (nm)

  12. Applications Nanotechnology is used in all type of consumerproducts

  13. Applications Do we know is which products? How do we know? Wound dressing Sheets Acnel lotion Air purifier

  14. Reactions of companies • What is in it? How does it work?....

  15. Question for you • What are the primary questions raised by my presentation?

  16. Nanotechnology project of Leefmilieu • Flyer

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. Question for you • What are the differences between the cases (nanotechnology, cancercluster, airpollution and children) concerning the risks?

  20. More information • www.leefmilieu.nl > nanotechnologie • www.gr.nl • www.vwa.nl

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