Issues: Health

Nanotechnology: Small Science, Big Consequences

From mascara to tennis balls to baby wipes, tiny nanoparticles are hidden in many of the products that we use every day. But much is still unknown about the effects of nanotechnology on human health and the environment. This May 2007 NRDC issue paper presents the latest research on the potential risks of nanotechnology and outlines a framework for regulating these still-untested chemicals.

OVERVIEW & QUICK REFERENCE
Nanotechnology's Invisible Threat: Small Science, Big Consequences, Fact Sheet (pdf)

FULL ISSUE PAPER IN PDF
Adobe Acrobat file (size: 161 k)
Click here if you need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)

OUTLINE
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: Nanotechnologies: The Small Science with Big Consequences
Chapter 2: The Need for Precautionary Regulation of Commercial Nanomaterials
Chapter 3: A Framework for Regulation of Commercial Nanomaterials
Appendix A: Toxicity Studies
Appendix B: Research Needs
Appendix C: Proposed Structure for Health and Safety Testing
Endnotes


Related NRDC Pages
Nanotechnologies: Tiny Particles Promise Much, But Could Pose Big Risk

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