Society & Safety
Responsible development of nanotechnology entails research toward understanding the public health and safety and environmental implications of nanotechnology, as well as research toward promising, highly beneficial uses of the technology. Such an approach recognizes the value of supporting basic research to develop nanotechnology as well as research to address environmental, health, and safety concerns related to the use of nanotechnology.
Responsible development of nanotechnology also entails establishing channels of communication with relevant stakeholders, in terms of both providing information and seeking input. Such communication allows the public and the NNI agencies to make well-informed decisions and builds trust among all stakeholders.
The broad implications of nanotechnology for society can be grouped into two categories, namely environmental, health, and safety implications and societal dimensions. The NNI has made and will continue to make research in both these areas a priority. The implications of nanotechnology extend beyond borders, so international cooperation is an important part of the NNI strategy for responsible development in both these categories.
NNI Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Released
The Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the Committee on
Technology, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) released the document
Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research (PDF), describing the NNI's strategy for addressing priority research on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) aspects of nanomaterials.
Occupational Safety
Research on workplace exposure to nanomaterials is a high priority for the agencies of the National Nanotechnology Imitative. Research funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of Energy and Defense all are contributing to our knowledge about potential effects of engineered nanomaterials on biological systems and recommended practices for working with nanomaterials
See also
NNI Environmental, Health, and Safety Issues
Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications Working Group