UNITAR Second regional workshop for the GRULAC region on nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials.

Transcription

1 UNITAR Second regional workshop for the GRULAC region on nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials. An NGO perspective

2 Lessons from past technological innovations Every new technological innovation comes with risks and impacts that we must learn to eliminate, mitigate or live with It is always much more expensive and complicated to try to mitigate rather than prevent it

3 Basic facts about nano (1/2) Nanomaterials are different, new opportunities and new risks Some CNTs behave like asbestos Some form of nano TiO2 have severe toxic effects on mammals (tumors, cell and DNA damage, organ development alteration, including brain) Some of those toxic effects can be passed on to off springs of exposed individuals Some nanomaterials have severe impact on soil ecology with related impacts on crops growth and yields

4 Basic facts about nano (2/2) Both people and the environment are currently being exposed to untested (or inadequately tested) nanomaterials, even if we can t measure it: Workers, consumers products, environmental releases. There are almost 2000 products containing nanomaterials on the market today, BUT Almost no information about real market situation and exposure data Knowledge about products on the market rely exclusively on non governmental declarative inventories ( e.g.: PEN: YES, efforts are engaged to increase our understanding of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, BUT

5 We are currently running a life scale experiments, of which we don t know precisely the conditions and cannot assess the results

6 Civil Society s perspective (1/2) By addressing nanotechnology development through a «business as usual» strategy we are neglecting all lessons from the past and running a double risk:

7 Civil Society s perspective (2/2) Risks of severe health, environmental and Social impacts Risk of rejection and/or halt in the development of knowledge and potentially beneficial applications

8 Civil Society s general recommendations Keep on building on existing work (Dakar declaration, previous Resolution ) and experiences (Think Asbestos, PCBs etc..), Don t wait before it s too late to act; o o o Include nano in your existing risk management projects, enact protective regulation, use the international initiatives and tools. This region is unique in many ways and has a great role to play in avoiding repeating the mistakes from the past

9 Blue print for a nano governance Precautionary approach Consider broader impacts (Social, ethical ) no (adequate) data-no market rule Strict manufacturer liability

10 Blue print for a nano governance (Continued) Mandatory registration of all nanomaterials Mandatory labeling framework and setting up of public registers Provide adequate information and protection to workers including in the waste disposal and recovery sectors Participatory process: Engage civil society, not only for acceptance, but also for input and expertise The importance of regional cooperation

11 What role for SAICM? Other processes exist, but they do not provide the same level of flexibility and engagement of developing countries and other stakeholders. Providing visibility to the issue, raising awareness (within your government and population) Encourage other international institutions to engage this issue and share their approach and put their resources together Provide a global, multi-stakeholder forum to share existing information and analysis, and design innovative solutions Provide tools (including funds) for countries and region to implemement precautionary governance schemes

12 SAICM Next steps? IPEN supports the further inclusion of specific nano activities in the global plan of action as a way to increase impact of SAICM initiatives, and increase potential available funding for national and regional nano activities IPEN further supports the preparation of a detailed resolution on nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials at ICCM3, calling for: the development of guidance and training materials; the development of nano specific regulatory framework, in particular to protect workers in all sectors, consumers and the environment.

13 Thank you very much for your attention, please do not hesitate to contact me information clearing house UNITAR Workshop for AfricanCountries on Nanotechnology/Manufactured Nanomaterials Nairobi, 05/06 April 2011