Title: Communicating the risks, and the benefits, of nanotechnology

Authors: Walter W. Piegorsch, Emmanuelle Schuler

Addresses: USC Nano Centre and Department of Statistics, 216 LeConte Bldg., University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. ' Office of Intellectual Property Management, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA

Abstract: Issues surrounding the wide spectrum of (perceived) risks and possible benefits associated with the rapid advance of modern nanotechnology are deliberated. These include the current realities of nanotechnological hazards, their impact vis-a-vis perceived nanotech-risks and perceived nanotech-benefits, and the consequent repercussions on the public and society. It is argued that both the risks and the benefits of nanoscientific advances must be properly communicated if the public is to support this emerging technology.

Keywords: nanoscience; nanotoxicology; risk-benefit analysis; risk communication; risk management; risk perception; nanotechnology; perceived risks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2008.021054

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2008 Vol.10 No.1/2, pp.57 - 69

Published online: 01 Nov 2008 *

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