As of: November 2007

NanoCommission background paper on the NanoDialogue

Nanotechnology is seen throughout the world as a key technology of the 21st century. More than 40 countries have developed strategies for supporting and developing nanotechnologies. As a centre of innovation in the field of nanotechnologies, Germany is among the global leaders, with fully competitive research and industry.

Today, a future-oriented innovation policy in the industrialised countries comprises not only the promotion of research and development but also the timely clarification and avoidance of potential risks which new technologies may pose for humans and the environment. There must be a future-oriented dialogue between industry, science and society in order to avoid the sort of communication lapses that have been apparent in other technological areas. It is also a question of ascertaining what contribution new technologies can make to a future-oriented and sustainable development of the economy and society.

The Federal Environment Ministry launched the NanoDialogue on behalf of the German Government at the end of 2006. Supported by the NanoCommission, the Dialogue aims at promoting the sustainable and future-oriented development and use of nanotechnologies, with a focus on nanomaterials. In this field nanotechnologies have long been in commercial use. The EU Commission assumes that there are currently between about 500 and 600 products on the market. These include medicines, cosmetics, electrical goods and food. Already, the market volume of nanotechnology products worldwide is estimated at around 100 billion euro.

Participating in the Dialogue on the opportunities and risks of nanomaterials are representatives from the scientific community, specialist federal authorities, trade and industry and environmental and consumer associations. The results will form the basis for information to the public and, if necessary, recommendations for action for the authorities.

Wolf-Michael Catenhusen, former State Secretary, is head of the NanoCommission. Other members include scientists, representatives of industry and their associations (BASF, Henkel, Degussa, Nanogate, the German chemicals industry association VCI, Federation of German Industries BDI), environmental and consumer organisations (German Federation for Environment and Nature Conservation BUND, the Federation of German Consumer Organisations vzbv), union representatives (German Trade Union Confederation DGB) and government representatives (Federal Environment Ministry, Ministry for Education and Research, Federation/Länder Committee for Chemicals Safety BLAC). The work of the NanoCommission is supported by working groups involving other experts and players from civil society.

Background: the term nanomaterials refers to materials which are at least one dimension smaller than 100 nm (nanometre). Their use is increasing and they especially help to improve products and applications. For example, they provide higher stability in sports equipment and are also used for fire protection, self-cleaning surfaces, fluidity in foods and UV protection in sun blockers. In the nanodimension, particles of known substances often demonstrate new properties which could also have impacts on humans or the environment. The NanoCommission of the Federal Government has set itself three initial tasks, for which working groups were set up:

1. What contribution can the use of nanomaterials make to a sustainable economic and social development in Germany, especially for environmental, health and consumer protection?

   Nanomaterials in photovoltaic systems, energy storage and batteries promise considerably better energy yields. They will also be used more as environmental sensors or for quality control in food packaging. Furthermore, membrane technology can improve filter installations, e.g. for sewage treatment plants. These are exciting lead markets for German industry in particular. The working group "Opportunities for Environment and Health" aims to describe nanoproducts or applications which are verifiably of particular benefit for the environment or consumer protection. Since in many sectors nanomaterials are still in the early stages of development, the working group further aims to ascertain the future potential for Germany as an industry location. The key questions here are: what positive effects for humans and the environment can be expected from nanomaterials? What contribution can they make to climate protection in particular? What special benefits do nanomaterials offer compared to conventional technologies? Can risks in technology development be ruled out or controlled? The results of this work will help build Germany's profile on these lead markets.

2. Where do we need interdisciplinary risk and safety research to clarify the possible impacts of the use of nanoparticles on the environment and health?

   The second working group "Risks and Safety Research" will therefore address the possible risks of nanomaterials and the gaps in our knowledge which must be closed as quickly as possible. Initial indications of possible harmful impacts on the environment and health will be identified and investigated further. The aim is to elaborate a joint programme for future safety research with concrete project proposals. Notwithstanding the gaps in our knowledge, the working group will use existing data and information for an initial evaluation of selected nanoproducts in terms of the possible risks arising from their application. The work will focus on the use of nanomaterials in fields where they are not firmly integrated into a product and with which humans could come into contact e.g. through breathing, via the skin, food or the environment.

   Testing and evaluation methods aimed at indicating the possible risks from nanomaterials must be newly developed or adapted. Here it is important e.g. to ensure means of measuring nanoparticles in environmental media (soil, water, air) and in the human body. In this way we hope to contribute to the discussion on whether existing legal provisions can be applied to nanomaterials and nanoparticles. Both working groups will submit their initial findings by the end of this year.

3. Do we have to wait for the initial results of these two working groups or can we already actively do something for the protection of humans and the environment?

   There are efforts to review and adapt legal provisions with regard to their applicability to nanomaterials. However, it is sensible to deal with nanomaterials according to the precautionary principle, through agreement between important social players on requirements for the precautionary protection of employees, consumers and the environment in the field of nanotechnologies. To this end, therefore, a third working group is working on "Guidelines on the Responsible Use of Nanomaterials". The aim is for as many manufacturers, users and other responsible actors to apply these guidelines in practice. The NanoCommission will incorporate possible initiatives by the OECD, the EU and important industrialised companies into its work in this area.

The NanoCommission will submit the results of its work in review events during 2008, aiming for intensive dialogue with a large number of civil groups. We hope that our work will make a helpful contribution to strengthening a sustainable economic and social development and advance the culture of innovation in German society.