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KiribatiThe Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering
| Report Title: |
Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties |
| Report ID: |
446 |
| Date: |
7/29/2004 |
| Report Type: |
Advisory Report |
| URL: |
[finalReport.htm] |
| Country: |
United Kingdom |
| Organization: |
The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Summary: |
In June 2003, the UK Government commissioned the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering to carry out an independent study into nanotechnology. This study was directed to summarize the current state of scientific knowledge in nanotechnology; identify new applications for its use; identify health, safety, environmental, ethical, and societal implications or uncertainties from the use of nanotechnology; and identify areas requiring additional regulation. This document contains the study report. Current and potential uses of nanotechnology include material coatings, electronics, and biotechnology. While nanoparticles are more toxic per unit of mass than are larger particles, it is expected that nanoparticles will not be introduced into humans in doses large enough to cause adverse health effects. Current exposures are largely limited to workplaces and a few cosmetic uses, but until further studies are done, exposure should be restricted. Regulations must differentiate between new nanomaterials and their existing larger-scale counterparts, and while a moratorium on nanomaterial development is unneeded, an independent group should be convened to assess these issues at both two-year and five-year timelines. Additionally, nanomaterials may pose ethical and social issues if they can be used for radical human enhancement or human/product monitoring. |
| Archived Copy: |
Nano report 2004 fin_446_6666.pdf |
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| Report Title: |
Summary of Evidence from Civil Society Groups at a Meeting With the Nanotechnology Working Group on 30 October 2003 |
| Report ID: |
186 |
| Date: |
10/30/2003 |
| Author: |
The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Report Type: |
Meeting Notes |
| URL: |
[CivilSocietyGroups.pdf] |
| Country: |
United Kingdom |
| Organization: |
The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Summary: |
In June 2003, the UK government commissioned the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering to study health and safety, environmental, social, and ethical issues raised by nanotechnology development. A working group with representatives of six organizations was held to further this study. This document contains a summary of points discussed at the meeting on October 30, 2003. Some representatives believed that science was isolated from mechanisms of democracy, causing low public participation and public control. The imposition of technology upon the public also was discussed as causing problems of acceptance, as it has with genetically modified foods. Two workshops and a web forum were planned for engaging the public in a discussion on nanotechnology, with the web forum to occur in early 2004. |
| Archived Copy: |
Michael Vincent RS (2003), Summary of evidence_186_7298.pdf |
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| Report Title: |
Environmental Applications and Impacts of Nanotechnology: Summary of Evidence Presented to Nanotechnology Working Group |
| Report ID: |
185 |
| Date: |
12/8/2003 |
| Author: |
The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Report Type: |
Meeting Notes |
| URL: |
[environmentForWeb.pdf] |
| Country: |
United Kingdom |
| Organization: |
The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Summary: |
In June 2003, the UK government commissioned the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering to study health and safety, environmental, social, and ethical issues raised by nanotechnology development. Several working groups were held to further this study. This document contains a summary of points discussed at the meeting on December 8, 2003. The meeting began with a presentation of potential industrial applications for nanotechnology, such as paints capable of reacting to the environment, water filtration, bioremediation, catalysis, energy generation, and pollution removal. The following discussion centered on the timeframe for achieving these proposed applications and the environmental issues that accompanied them. |
| Archived Copy: |
Michael Vincent RS (2003), Environmental applications and impacts_185_9360.pdf |
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