HR: 12:00h
AN: B32A-07    [Abstracts]
TI: Utilizing Societal Concerns in Nanomaterials R and D Decision-Making
AU: * Beaver, E R
EM: Erbeav@aol.com
AF: Practical Sustainability, LLC, 14500 White Birch Valley Lane, Chesterfield, MO 63017-2418, United States
AB: Nanotechnology has demonstrated the potential to transform many aspects of human existence. From extraordinary ways to deliver pharmaceuticals to the tiniest of electronic circuits to the finest of filters, technologies made with nanomaterials can shrink the computer chip or remove contaminants from water. Nanotechnology systems can deliver drugs to targets inside individual cells or serve as components in sensors that detect chemical and biological agents. As nanomaterials are commercialized, there are potential consequences, both positive and negative. At each stage of development of nanotechnology, it is important to assess both the potential benefits and the potential costs. Scientists need more tools to simultaneously develop new technologies and consider whether their methods or materials might contribute to health or environmental hazards down the line. Early information on potential risks guides the development of these materials as they move toward industrial production. Some indications of problems have turned-up. If thorough assessments are not done, the potential exists to extend projects (and their related expense) long past the point where "fatal flaws" could be identified. As nanotechnology graduates from infancy and it is possible to predict the course and impacts of the technology beyond the next several years. There are well-founded concerns with nanotechnology, especially relating to human health, the environment, and public perception in general. This paper will include a matrix of potential effects, means of ranking or scoring them and examples of how the technique can be applied to current research and development.
DE: 0325 Evolution of the atmosphere (1610, 8125)
DE: 0345 Pollution: urban and regional (0305, 0478, 4251)
DE: 0493 Urban systems
DE: 0496 Water quality
SC: Biogeosciences [B]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting