I agree that it's important - and urgent - to regulate the risks that nanotoxicity poses to human health and the environment. And I agree that this needs to be firmly based on the precautionary principle. But I think it's equally important to ensure that the significant ethical problems and socio-economic disruption that appear likely to accompany nanotechnology's expansion are managed through the regulatory system. Governments are increasingly noting their awareness of these other impacts of nanotechnology in statements they release regarding nanotechnology. However despite the potential for nanotechnology to completely transform our society, to date there is no indication that any government is seriously considering requiring new nanotechnologies or nanoproducts to meet ethical standards or pass rigorous social impact assessments. I would argue that they should.
Beyond nanotoxicity - regulating nano's ethical and social risks
I agree that it's important - and urgent - to regulate the risks that nanotoxicity poses to human health and the environment. And I agree that this needs to be firmly based on the precautionary principle. But I think it's equally important to ensure that the significant ethical problems and socio-economic disruption that appear likely to accompany nanotechnology's expansion are managed through the regulatory system. Governments are increasingly noting their awareness of these other impacts of nanotechnology in statements they release regarding nanotechnology. However despite the potential for nanotechnology to completely transform our society, to date there is no indication that any government is seriously considering requiring new nanotechnologies or nanoproducts to meet ethical standards or pass rigorous social impact assessments. I would argue that they should.