2004, ‘Perception of Risks and Nanotechnology

Abstract. There is no scientific evidence to support the notion that nanoparticles and nanotubes – basic components of nanotechnology-based products – pose risks to human health and the environment. Yet, there already have been considerable dis-cussions in the mass media and the U.S. Senate about the potential hazards of nanoparticles and nanotubes, on how they possibly interact with living organisms and non-living systems, and further disseminate in the human body and the envi-ronment. For now, though, the lack of genuine scientific data on the potential haz-ards of nanotechnology on human health and the environment has misled the discus-sions: debate about the risks of nanotechnology today truly amounts to the perceived risks of nanotechnology – since the technical, scientifically estimated risks remain at bay. This paper argues that the perceived risks of nanotechnology are likely to over-estimate and overrate the risk of nanotechnology. Contrary to what the nanotechnol-ogy community, policy makers, and funding agencies might be inclined to believe, the soon-to-be-released reports on nanomaterials toxicology will not necessarily put an end to public controversies over the potential risks and benefits of nanotechnol