Title: An Australian viewpoint of nanotechnology issues

Authors: Greg Tegart

Addresses: Centre for Strategic Economic Studies, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract: This paper reports on a study of environmental, social, legal and ethical issues associated with the development of nanotechnologies in Australia. The study produced a set of Opinions to assist in developing guidelines for a National Nanotechnology Strategy. A number of the Opinions covered health, safety and environmental aspects using a real risk approach covering hazards and exposures in nanoelectronics and nanophotonics, nanobiotechnology, nanomedicine and nanomaterials. Another group of Opinions covered social, legal and ethical aspects using a perceived risk approach. An overall Opinion stressed the need for open public communication and debate on possibilities and limitations of nanotechnologies.

Keywords: nanotechnology; nanotoxicology; nanomanufacturing; nanoproducts; nanomaterials; public acceptance; public debate; Australia; national nanotechnology strategy; health risk; safety risk; environmental risk; hazards; exposure; ethics; law; public communication.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2008.020348

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2008 Vol.7 No.2/3, pp.123 - 128

Published online: 18 Sep 2008 *

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