Int. J. Nanotechnol., Vol. 7, Nos. 2/3, 2010 243 Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Applying a precautionary risk management strategy for regulation of nanotechnology Michael G. Tyshenko*, Nawal Farhat, Roxanne Lewis and Natalia Shilnikova McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] *Corresponding author Daniel Krewski McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada and Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada E-mail: [email protected] Abstract: Nanotechnology promises a multiplicity of benefits to society. At the same time it has become a focus of debate regarding potential health and other associated risks. Rejection of new nanotechnology innovations could result in loss of trust in regulators, a phenomenon observed previously with nuclear and genetically altered food crop technologies. Due to this uncertainty a precautionary approach is warranted. The anticipated four stages of nanotechnology development, from passive to more active forms, are arrayed against existing risk management strategies of a precautionary nature. The overlay suggests that precaution is appropriate for all stages of nanotechnology development. Other effects from innovation, such as socio-economic inequity, disruptive impact on labour markets, alteration of global trade and unintended health and environmental impacts, can also be minimised by applying a precautionary approach. The use of a precautionary approach can provide protection to developers of nanotechnology, to individuals and to the environment. Keywords: nanotechnology; precaution; risk management; social cohesion; public perception. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Tyshenko, M.G., Farhat, N., Lewis, R., Shilnikova, N. and Krewski, D. (2010) ‘Applying a precautionary risk management strategy for regulation of nanotechnology’, Int. J. Nanotechnol., Vol. 7, Nos. 2/3, pp.243–264.

Applying a precautionary risk management strategy for regulation of nanotechnology

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Int. J. Nanotechnol., Vol. 7, Nos. 2/3, 2010 243

Applying a precautionary risk management strategy for regulation of nanotechnology

Michael G. Tyshenko*, Nawal Farhat, Roxanne Lewis and Natalia Shilnikova McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] *Corresponding author

Daniel Krewski McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada and Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Nanotechnology promises a multiplicity of benefits to society. At the same time it has become a focus of debate regarding potential health and other associated risks. Rejection of new nanotechnology innovations could result in loss of trust in regulators, a phenomenon observed previously with nuclear and genetically altered food crop technologies. Due to this uncertainty a precautionary approach is warranted. The anticipated four stages of nanotechnology development, from passive to more active forms, are arrayed against existing risk management strategies of a precautionary nature. The overlay suggests that precaution is appropriate for all stages of nanotechnology development. Other effects from innovation, such as socio-economic inequity, disruptive impact on labour markets, alteration of global trade and unintended health and environmental impacts, can also be minimised by applying a precautionary approach. The use of a precautionary approach can provide protection to developers of nanotechnology, to individuals and to the environment.

Keywords: nanotechnology; precaution; risk management; social cohesion; public perception.

Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Tyshenko, M.G., Farhat, N., Lewis, R., Shilnikova, N. and Krewski, D. (2010) ‘Applying a precautionary risk management strategy for regulation of nanotechnology’, Int. J. Nanotechnol., Vol. 7, Nos. 2/3, pp.243–264.