The Precautionary Principle and Nanotechnologies Jan Nill, Ulrich Petschow

1. The Precautionary Principle and Nanotechnologies  Jan Nill, Ulrich Petschow 

2. The precautionary principle and the approach of characterisation of (nano)technologies European Union has adopted the precautionary principle as a concept for policy making under scientific uncertainty How to deal with uncertainty and risk of innovation? Risk management cannot be based solely on scientific knowledge relating to evidence of adverse effects Nanotechnologies: Impact on EHS not yet predictable; concern and first studies about adverse effects of nanoparticles ? The characterisation of technologies approach if impact assessment model is lacking, change direction of investigation from analysis of effects towards characterisation of agents Assessment criterion: depth of intervention New powerful functionalities of nanotechnologies as starting point

3. Characterisation of nanotechnology and assessment approaches (I)

4. Characterisation of nanotechnology and assessment approaches (II)

5. Nanotechnology, the precautionary principle, and European policies 1st PP rule of thumb: avoid release of nano particles Adaptation of existing regulation in a broad range of fields according to characteristics of technology, e.g.: Type regulation of chemicals: instead of particle mass - number and characteristics of particles important; dealing with remanufacturing etc. Type regulation of genetically modified organisms: containing risk 2nd rule of thumb: enhance more sustainable applications (e.g. energy and material efficiency) Also elements of soft governance important: Early inclusion of stakeholders (ex. GB), Governance by visions (e.g. inherent safe, resource efficient nanotechnology) and voluntary agreements

6. Nanotechnology, the precautionary principle, and further research needs Further research on EHS risk assessment e.g. release and behaviour of nano particles Further development of appropriate risk assessment approaches (e.g. linking of characterisation, LCA and other approaches) Develop innovation strategies coping with obstacles and opportunities to market introduction and diffusion of more sustainable applications Political time strategies, lead market strategies etc. Policy-oriented research on adaptation needs of existing regulations Especially problems of measurement and classification pollution control (air, water etc.) Health and work safety