New nanotechnology review
The Government has set up a review into the current regulations on the use of nanotechnology.
UK Science Minister Lord Sainsbury was responding to a year-long nanotech study conducted by the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering, which recommended precaution and regulation of the controversial industry.
Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of molecules and atoms to produce new materials and products. It has the potential to dramatically improve the performance of current materials, for example allowing more computer data to be stored, or more sensitive diagnostic tools.
But, there are fears that as nanotechnology changes the properties of materials it could have unexpected effects on human health.
Speaking at London’s science museum, Lord Sainsbury insisted that the safe and ethical development of new technologies was a priority for the Government.
Lord Sainsbury pledged a review of current safety regulations to ensure the safeguarding of people’s health and the environment, and announced a new cross-government group to co-ordinate all aspects of research into nanoscience to underpin safety assessments.
Lord Sainsbury commented: “The UK needs safety and regulatory systems that address public aspirations and concerns and which command public confidence during the development of nanotechnologies.
“Starting at an early stage with nanotechnology, we will be able to ensure the safe and ethical development of this major scientific area of research, which is likely to bring important benefits to people in many different fields.”
Lord Robert May, president of the Royal Society, offered a cautious welcome to the announcement, but urged the Government to ensure that research is properly funded.
Lord May said: “In commissioning this report, the UK has shown international leadership on the responsible development of nanotechnologies. It must not squander this by failing to properly fund the research which will underpin appropriate regulation.”
Professor Ann Dowling, chair of the working group that produced the academies’ report said that it was pleased the Government was taking the regulatory implications of nanotechnologies seriously.
“And has committed to acting on our concerns that, for example, until we know more about the effects of manufactured nanoparticles, their release into the environment should be minimised and people working with these materials, such as in university laboratories, should be properly protected.”
However, she said she was disappointed that there was no new money for the research that will be needed to underpin appropriate regulations.
