As at: December 2006

Risk and research

Nanotechnology: Protection of health and humans – recognising the risks and taking responsibility

Besides the many positive expectations in the nanotechnology sector, social actors are increasingly voicing their concern about whether engineered nanoparticles in particular might have adverse effects on human health and the environment. If some properties of these tiny particles are completely new, could they not lead to as yet unknown damage to the human body or nature? Indeed, there are many unanswered questions concerning the effects of engineered nanoparticles, for example:

• What effects do engineered nanoparticles have in the body or in the environment? Do they have adverse effects on human health or the environment? Which are the particles in question?
  
  
• Which (characteristic) properties of these particles will have an effect?
  
  
• Which quantities/ concentrations / surface sizes are released? During which activities (production, processing, use, disposal)? Where do humans or the environment have contact with engineered particles?
  
  
• What methods of detection /testing methods should be developed? Which methods can already be applied? What can be done in general to ensure a safe handling of nanoparticles?
  
  

In order to obtain more firm knowledge the BMU is drawing up the research strategy Nanotechnology: Health and Environmental Risks of Nanoparticles (in German) together with other federal ministries and the higher federal authorities UBA, BAuA and BfR.