A Framework for Responsible Nanotechnology

Keywords:
environment, health, safety, risk, guidance

Abstract:
Environmental Defense, an environmental advocacyorganization, and DuPont, a science company, have developed acomprehensive, practical, and flexible framework for evaluating andaddressing the potential risks of nanoscale materials. The draftframework is available for review and comment atwww.nanoriskframework.com. We presented an overview of our concept forthis framework at last year's NSTI conference. This year, we would liketo present the greater detail on the full framework, focusing on the newand different elements that distinguish this framework from other riskmanagement frameworks. For example, our framework recommends base setsof information on the properties, hazards, and exposures associated witha particular material or application; an iterative process for continualimprovement; a flexible process to move ahead without completeinformation; and a tool to organize, document and communicate riskmanagement information. We believe that the adoption of this frameworkcan promote responsible development of nanotechnology products,facilitate public acceptance, and support the development of a practicalmodel for reasonable government policy on nanotechnology safety. We havesolicited and incorporated feedback on our overall approach from a widerange of stakeholders, and we are now pilot-testing the framework onseveral materials and applications, at various stages of development.

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Nanotech 2007 Conference Program Abstract