Summary
• Japan and the UK, like other developed countries, are investing substantially in nanotechnologies. However, disproportionately small amounts are being spent on research to address concerns over the potential negative health and environmental impacts of nanomaterials. Significant funding is urgently needed, initially from governments, to undertake the necessary research.
• International and interdisciplinary collaboration is required to prioritise and undertake research into the potential exposure to and toxicity of nanomaterials. For example, scientists working on characterisation of nanomaterials should collaborate with scientists investigating the toxicity of nanoparticles and nanotubes.
• A standardised framework for the safety assessment of nanomaterials is required, including standard reference samples and toxicology protocols. To achieve this international cooperation is needed and an international organisation, such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), should take the lead.
• To advance research in this area, industry must share information on methodologies they are using for safety testing of nanomaterials and provide samples for academic research. Industry should work with academia and other stakeholders to address concerns over health and environmental impacts.
• There remains virtually no data on the potential negative impacts of nanomaterials on the environment. Research into the ecotoxicology is urgently required.
• A robust, publicly acceptable regulatory framework for nanotechnologies is more likely to be achieved if appropriate stakeholder engagement activities are undertaken and the results are incorporated into the policy-making process.
• A second workshop in Tokyo in 2006 will build on the discussions summarised here.
