Nanotechnology and Potential Human Health Impact: Developing a Framework for Strategic Research

Andrew Maynard
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies

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     Last modified: January 11, 2006

Abstract
Nanotechnology has been hailed by some as the next technological revolution, and is poised to impact on every aspect of our lives. Through the manipulation of matter at near-atomic scales, the technology is enabling remarkable progress in many fields to produce new materials, structures and devices with unique and truly innovative properties. However, despite the great societal and economic promise of nanotechnology, new engineered nanomaterials and devices challenge our understanding and management of potential health and environmental impacts. Although limited, recent research is bringing into question the use of conventional approaches to minimize the potential adverse biological impact of nanostructured material.
The development of responsible, sustainable and societally beneficial nanotechnologies will depend on identifying and addressing potential negative impacts in a timely and coordinated manner. Given the global scope of nanotechnology and the limited availability of resources, conducting strategic research within a coordinated framework will help to provide answers to key questions rapidly and efficiently. Possible elements of such a framework could include categorization of nanotechnologies and engineered nanomaterials; the use of existing knowledge relevant to environmental and human health impact; integration of risk-based and application-based research; risk assessment; material characterization and interdisciplinary collaboration. These elements will need to be underpinned by global collaboration and a rational debate on the likely potential impact of different and diverse nanotechnologies.
These elements of a framework for strategic research will be explored in the context of current research into the potential impact of engineered nanomaterials on human health, the development of emerging nanotechnologies and the need for oversight ensuring the positive benefits of nanotechnology are realized without undue risk to health, safety or the environment.