Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
during the search for scientific knowledge. The interactions of NPs with bio-
molecules to cells to tissues to organs and to whole organisms much less to
humans and the environment is not yet fully understood and is utmost barely
scratched on the surface, therefore, precautions are our best defense for now. On
the other hand, research in nanotechnologies may lead to possible applications
that are unacceptable to the present realm of human knowledge and may be
rejected by the society. Thus, it is imperative that nanotechnology research be
undertaken in a framework that is conducive to scientific excellence, innovation,
and human morality providing equal opportunity among all races and countries
in the world. Thus, the European Commission Competitiveness Council of 2008
adopted theā€¯Regulatory aspects of nanomaterialsā€¯, which reviewed the legisla-
tion that covered in principle the potential health, safety and environmental risks
in relation to NMs. In the 2004 reports of the Royal Society, they recommended
a review of existing regulations to assess and control work place exposure to
NPs and nanotubes. The report expressed particular concern for the inhalation
of large quantities of NPs by workers involved in the manufacturing process.
In the US and other parts of the world, the on-going controversy on the
implications of nanotechnology caused discussions on the needs to require spe-
cial government regulations. This particularly focuses on the assessment of new
substances before their release into the market, community, and the environ-
ment. 225 In the UK, the Royal Society recognizes the huge potential of nano-
technology to bring benefits to many areas of research and application, thereby,
attracting rapidly increasing investments from Governments and from private
entities worldwide. 226 The recognition of the new challenges in the safety,
regulatory or ethical impacts, caused the government to commission the Royal
Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering to carry out an independent
study into current and future developments in nanotechnology. One of the most
interesting content of their report stated that it is unlikely that new manufactured
NMs can be introduced into humans in doses sufficient to cause similar health
effects as those that have been associated with polluted air. However, they rec-
ognized possible inhalation in the workplaces in significant amounts, therefore,
steps should be taken to minimize exposure. 226
The upsurge of nano-enabled products in the market from cosmetics to shirts,
bicycles, tennis rackets, and electronic gadgets have triggered calls for increased
community participation and effective evaluation, regulation, and improved gov-
ernance of nanotechnologies. 227 Public and scientific debates have been called
to anticipate and address the likely social, environmental, and ethical impacts of
these new technologies. In Australia, the national science research organization,
the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) is
carrying out scientific research at the nanoscale in various areas. Alongside the
technical research, a small team of social scientists has focused on the local social
implications and public perceptions of nanotechnologies in Australian context.
The team has explored social perspectives on nanotechnology research and devel-
opment with the goal to establish a discussion between CSIRO and 'interested
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