Environnement

The draft white paper describes the technology, and provides a discussion of the potential environmental benefits of nanotechnology and its applications that can foster sustainable use of resources. Risk management issues and the Agency’s statutory mandates are outlined, followed by an extensive discussion of risk assessment issues. The paper identifies research needs for both environmental applications and implications of nanotechnology and concludes with recommendations on next steps for addressing science policy issues and research needs. Supplemental information is provided in a number of appendices.

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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.