Government attacked over nanotechnology neglect
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2006 00:01
Nanotechnologies are used in many household products
The government's failure to ensure the health and environmental safety impacts of nanotechnologies is of "serious concern", a new report published today has claimed.
Condemning the government's efforts as "not [having] been effective", the Nanonscience and Nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties report by the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering criticises the government's efforts to control the commercial development of nanotechnologies.
It accuses the government of intransigence because it has failed to establish a timetable for achieving objectives and being reluctant to commit "adequate" funding for studies into nanoparticles. The development of these tiny objects could help studies of the environment and improve healthcare.
Professor Ann Dowling, chairperson of the working committee on nanotechnologies from the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, argues that because the public is exposed to nanoparticles which are used in a number of products like 'anti-ageing' creams, suncream and stain-resistant clothing, the government should feel a greater obligation to investigate their safeness.
Referring to a 2004 report on nanotechnologies, she said: "We did recommend that the government instigate a programme of research to better understand both the positive and negative effects of free nanoparticles - one distinct type of nanotechnology. Unfortunately progress on this, so far, has been slow.
"Reducing the uncertainties concerning these substances is a vital step in ensuring nanotechnologies are well-regulated technologies which inspire the confidence of both investors and the public. The government must ensure that this research happens urgently or risk detrimental consequences both for society and the economy."
A spokesperson from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) rejected the report's conclusions, saying that in the last 18 months the government had been "investing to help the UK industry maximise the potential benefits that nanotechnologies promise to deliver whilst controlling the risks".
The spokesperson pointed out that it had "drawn up a comprehensive research programme", established a voluntary reporting scheme and completed comprehensive reviews of existing regulatory controls.
"While there is obviously still much work to be done, these and other initiatives provide us with a sound basis for moving forward. There is strong support across government for the responsible development of nanotechnologies and this will continue to be a priority," the spokesperson concluded.