NANOTECHNOLOGY. Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of OVERVIEW.

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1 Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of NANOTECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW Nanotechnology holds the promise of solving some age-old problems but also potentially creating some new ones. Successfully integrating nanotechnology into society means understanding how to use it safely and effectively while overcoming its challenges. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic level used to create particles with unique chemical and physical properties. These particles, known as engineered nanoparticles, can be arranged into novel structures and materials, such as carbon nanotubes and quantum dots that have the potential to greatly improve society by creating better medications for cancer treatment, improving energy production and providing clean water. The use of nanotechnology is beneficial but also potentially challenging for health, environmental and societal impacts. The key to minimizing this impact is to promote awareness of nanotechnology through integrating the evaluation of its uses and challenges to determine the best method to achieve balance between maximizing the potential usefulness while limiting risk. Jeffrey J. Leifel, CEM, MEP, EMR

2 INTRODUCTION The use of nanotechnology has been steadily growing. Since the inception of the National Nanotechnology Initiative in the United States in 2000, more than $22 billion dollars from the federal government alone has been invested in nanotechnology research. There are currently more than 1,600 products available that contain engineered nanomaterials [1]. Considering that in 2006 there were fewer than 200 nano-enabled products, this is a significant increase (eight times as many products in less than 10 years). The majority of products can be found in the following categories: 1. Health and fitness 2. Home and garden 3. Food and beverage 4. Automotive Despite the fact that nanotechnology is rapidly growing, only 65 percent of Americans know what nanotechnology is [2]. More specifically, those without any college education and those age 65 years or older are much less likely to be familiar with nanotechnology. No specific regulations exist regarding the safe limits of exposure to engineered nanomaterials for consumers, workers or medical patients, and there are no standard processes for manufacturing, waste management or recycling. It is expected that by 2020, nanotechnology will be as common as any other technological advance; however, there is still a lot of work to be done in order to prepare society for the next revolution. Some guiding principles for addressing existing gaps in knowledge regarding nanotechnology can be gathered from five strategic priorities published by the World Technology Evaluation Center (WTEC) [3]: Advance partnerships between industry, academia, NGOs, multiple agencies and international organizations. Develop experimental and predictive methods for exposure toxicity to multiple nanostructured compounds Support horizontal, vertical and system integration in nanotechnology education to create or expand regional centers for learning and research and to institutionalize nanoscience and nanoengineering educational concepts for K-16 students Explore new strategies for mass dissemination, public awareness and participation related to nanotechnology research and development (R and D), breaking through gender, income and ethnicity barriers Institutionalize create standing organizations and programs to fund and guide nanotechnology activities in R and D; education; manufacturing; medicine; environmental, health and safety; ethical, legal and societal issues; and international programs. Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of nanotechnology 2

3 An overarching theme that has been emerging from many different sources is the lack of integration between various groups involved in research, commercialization, regulation and end-use of nanotechnology. A possible model consists of a process in which an interdisciplinary team evaluates both the uses and the challenges of implementing nanotechnology in key areas and addresses these relationships through a variety of methods (Figure 1). This information could then be considered reliable and disseminated to various shareholders. Figure 1: Model for Promoting Awareness of the Uses and Challenges of Nanotechnology UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY Minimizing the impact of nanotechnology can be achieved through promoting awareness of nanotechnology to the public and to key groups, such as safety professionals, health care providers, business leaders and government officials. Promoting awareness for the uses and challenges of nanotechnology builds on four elements necessary in developing a robust capability in evaluating and understanding the science-society interface [4]: Analysis of past and current societal responses to transforming technologies; Comprehensive, real-time assessment and monitoring of the nanoscience and nanotechnology enterprise; Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of nanotechnology 3

4 A science communication initiative to foster dialogue among scientists, technologists, policy makers, the media and the public; and A constructive technology assessment process with participants drawn from representatives of the R&D effort, the policy world and the public. Furthermore, responsible use and development of nanotechnology should be built on a framework that leverages the concepts of convergence, science communication and considering health impact in nanotechnology development (Figure 2). Figure 2: Underlying Framework of Promoting Awareness of Uses and Challenges of Nanotechnology through Convergence, Science Communication and Considering Health Impact Convergence Convergence is an interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary approach to problem solving that integrates tools and viewpoints from many fields, including [5]: life and health sciences; physical, mathematical and computational sciences; and engineering. Integrating these fields creates a comprehensive framework for addressing scientific and societal challenges that exists with multiple intersecting fields, such as: - Understanding complex biological systems - Improving patient outcomes - Revolutionizing manufacturing - Creating new fuels and improving energy storage systems - Meeting the world s need for secure food supplies Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of nanotechnology 4

5 Science Communication Most scientists have low levels of engagement with the public. Although nanotechnology is not fundamentally different than most science, its extremely fast-paced growth is posing challenges that other technologies have not presented. Early engagement and dialogue with the public can achieve many critical endpoints [6]: - Incorporation of public values in decisions - Improving decision quality - Resolving conflict - Establishing trust and legitimacy - Education and information Considering Health Impact Health is influenced by a wide range of factors. The disruptive nature of nanotechnology has the potential to be a detriment to health as well as drastically improve the human condition. In addition, nanotechnology interventions could skew economic development, which indirectly affects health policy. Key terms to long-term success in nanotechnology development and uses include [7]: - Building the perspective of health into all policy making - Including an explicit focus on health equity in policy making - Convening, enabling and supporting cross-sector collaborations - Developing consensus-based standard data and methods for surveillance systems linking health, health equity and the determinants of health - Investing in strengthening community capacity and potential for community advocacy EXPLORING USES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY Uses of nanotechnology span across many sectors and have the potential for significant impact on climate change, sustainable development and global health. The greatest benefits to public health and safety are categorized within six areas (Figure 3). Promoting awareness begins with evaluating how nanotechnology is used in these sectors. Uses for security and defense include the development of nanosensors for detecting attacks using chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive materials. Other types of sensors could be used to detect mechanical stress on bridges and dams in order to provide early warning systems for failure. Advances in biological systems using nanotechnology include development methods for targeting tumor cells and creating specific drug-delivery systems for certain types of diseases. Nanotechnology also can enhance imaging scans and improve Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of nanotechnology 5

6 Figure 3: Uses of Nanotechnology in Six Major Sectors diagnostic tests for viral infections. Additionally, significant potential exists for environmental applications, including water treatment and filtration, catalysts for air pollution control, remediation of hazardous waste sites and better power generation technologies. Nanotechnology has the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life across the globe. Since there is such great potential for nanotechnology to revolutionize industry practices in these areas, it is especially important to understand how these applications will be used and to ensure the responsible development of nanotechnology for these applications. INVESTIGATING CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH NANOTECHNOLOGY Many uses of nanotechnology are beneficial; however, challenges exist regarding health, the environment and societal impact. Since engineered particles do not typically occur in nature, they are quite unusual. The properties that make engineered nanomaterials so desirable (size, shape and reactivity) also make them potentially dangerous. Additionally, science at the nanoscale is forcing society to re-evaluate foundational principles and broader issues associated with what nanotechnology could potentially do (in conjunction with other technologies, like biotechnology and informatics), including tissue engineering, radical life extension and curing diseases, such as cancer. Since nanotechnology is an emerging field, data are still being collected on information that exists for other substances, such as radiation or chemicals. Regulatory guidelines are difficult to develop, because it is widely accepted that nanoparticles do not have the same action as naturally occurring similar compounds. For example, carbon nanotubes behave very differently than carbon black or graphite, so new models for toxicity and biological clearance need to be developed. Until new exposure limits and models are completed, techniques Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of nanotechnology 6

7 already commonly used in industry are being adapted to accommodate engineered nanomaterials although this is not ideal in all situations. Many uses of nanotechnology appear to be safe in the short term. Increased potential for exposure rests in situations in which the engineered nanomaterials are freefloating, such as: During manufacturing From a byproduct of industrial processes In a research setting With the breakdown of nano-enabled consumer goods or medical devices Figure 4 illustrates the challenges of nanotechnology in five key areas. Figure 4: Challenges of Nanotechnology in Five Key Areas Occupational Settings Detection and characterization of engineered nanoparticles Medical monitoring and health surveillance Toxicological modelling and exposure assessment Processes involving use and production of engineered nanomaterials Consumer and Patient Safety Engineered nanomaterials can cross the blood-brain barrier, the placenta and cell membranes Durability of products that contain engineered nanomaterials Metabolism and biological transformation of engineered nanomaterials in the human body Environmental Monitoring Life-cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterials and products that use them Engineered nanomaterials can be absorbed by plants and animals Natural conditions, such as sunlight and water chemistry, can change the properties of engineered nanomaterials Regulations Standardized approaches for categorizing engineered nanomaterials and processes Developing universally accepted methods to assess toxicity and safety of engineered nanomaterials to set recommendations for exposure limits Guidelines for filing patents and setting limits on the use of nanotechnology, such as in the creation of weapons Social Issues Possibility of radical life extension, human performance modification and creating artificial intelligence Social justice, marginalization and economic division directly related to national wealth and research funding General transformation to a nano-based society and unintended consequences Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of nanotechnology 7

8 PROMOTING AWARENESS Nanotechnology is a complicated subject and is not well known to many. In order to improve awareness of both uses and potential challenges of nanotechnology, better understanding of nanotechnology itself must be communicated with the general public and to certain groups, such as safety professionals, health care providers, business leaders and government officials. There is a societal responsibility to [8]: Issue anticipatory guidance Conduct toxicological research Issue hazard guidance and control Provide guidance on metrics, sampling methods and analysis Conduct hazard and risk assessments Communicate risk information to employees, unions, workers and the public Convey the degree of uncertainty about hazards and risks Conduct research to address uncertainties Demonstrate the effectiveness of controls Support education and scientific literacy A proactive approach in terms of identifying potential risks, using currently available controls and improving communication is wise for mitigating exposure to nanomaterials. Likewise, educating the general population about nanotechnology and its uses and challenges will help create an informed public and thus improve trust and transparency. Promoting awareness of the uses and challenges of nanotechnology as they apply to public health and safety is achieved through the following five primary methods: Education and training An important part of preparing future generations for employment and bracing for the impact of nanotechnology is beginning the transition of nanotechnology teaching into K-16 education. This can be done by infusing nanotechnology concepts into traditional science courses and developing dual-enrollment courses. Additionally, it will be important to start developing standard programs for jobs in nanotechnology, such as nanotechnology technicians. An essential component of awareness is providing workshops, learning opportunities and training sessions for professionals who currently work with nanotechnology and to better explain the uses and challenges of the technology. Outreach and evaluation Understanding how best to reach target audiences and how to develop appropriate methods of communication to which they will respond begins with formative research. Gauging the base level of knowledge among certain groups Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of nanotechnology 8

9 can be achieved through focus groups, interviews and administering surveys. Periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of campaigns and other interventions will ensure that resources are being used efficiently and making the right impact. Health and environmental monitoring Methods to assess human and environmental health as they are impacted by nanotechnology are still in development. However, current methods exist that can provide a general foundation of knowledge and can be used to measure risk. These include developing registries and medical surveillance programs for workers and the community as well as using currently available methods of biomonitoring (measuring the levels of contaminants in tissue and organs) to assess for organ toxicity and secondary effects of exposure in human organs, other organisms and the environment. In addition, simple tools, such as databases and interactive web-based programs, can be used to improve the tracking of engineered nanomaterials in the environment. Better models of toxicity (how engineered nanoparticles affect biological tissues) and biokenetics (how engineered nanomaterials are processed by organisms) still need to be developed, but currently available models can still be used to estimate risk until better methods are developed. Applied research Identifying the sectors in which nanotechnology is being used or proposed, understanding how nanotechnology will or is expected to be used in those sectors, and then integrating risk management approaches into the research and development of those uses while evaluating the outcomes under simulated real-world conditions improves transparency. This allows a conversation to take place early in the process between scientists, policy makers and health and safety professionals. Impacts of nanotechnology are not foreseeable in basic research environments, thus creating partnerships between researchers and practitioners improves the possibility of discovering and correcting errors. Management consulting Nanotechnology is a complicated field that covers many disciplines and is growing rapidly every single day. It is difficult to keep up, especially for professionals who have other responsibilities and may not have the time to focus on tracking developments in the field of nanoscience. Having a support system that can help identify specific needs, track and maintain pertinent information tailored to specific areas related to nanotechnology, summarize information into easily understandable and relevant points and make recommendations on how to proceed can prove invaluable. Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of nanotechnology 9

10 SUMMARY Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize society by improving medical applications, increasing energy production and contributing to sustainable development as long as it is conducted in a responsible manner. The best way to accomplish this is by concurrently evaluating and understanding how nanotechnology is being used and could be used while identifying potential challenges to implementation and then solving or limiting those challenges. Multidisciplinary teams of shareholders working together and sharing lessons learned provide the most effective way to ensure the continued responsible development and use of nanotechnology. REFERENCES 1. The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. Consumer Products Inventory Analysis: Retrieved April 15, Pew Research Center. Public s Knowledge of Science and Technology World Technology Evaluation Center. Nanotechnology Research Directions for Societal Needs in 2020: Retrospective and Outlook National Science Foundation. Societal Implications of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology National Academy of Sciences. Convergence: Facilitating Transdisciplinary Integration of Life Sciences, Physical, Sciences, Engineering, and Beyond National Academy of Sciences. The Science of Science Communication II: Summary of a Colloquium National Academy of Sciences. Applying a Health Lens to Decision Making in Non-Health Sectors: Workshop Summary Schulte PA, Geraci CL, Murashov V, et al. Occupational Safety and Health Criteria for Responsible Development of Nanotechnology. J Nanopart Res. 2014; 16:2153: Epub. Promoting awareness for the responsible use and development of nanotechnology 10