Public concern over ecotoxicology risks from nanomaterials: Pressing need for research-based information

Abstract

The public have been told that nanotechnology is a new and promising, albeit complex, field of scientific research, but it is a field where reliable education and clear, balanced information is increasingly needed (Wickson et al., 2010). Scientists and the general public have different perceptions of the potential risks from the use of nanotechnology (Scheufele et al., 2007). The field of potential applications that is opening up presents serious challenges for all those involved in research, government and industry to reflect the issues, positive and negative, in informative reports that are available to all citizens. Feedback from surveys shows that citizens are worried about possible adverse consequences of nanotechnology. They want reassurance that these risks are not only being communicated correctly but also that effective means of countering or minimizing them are being actively studied and adopted by the authorities. Such worries are understandable since the general public is, in effect, the last link in the chain of vulnerability, in the event of a release of dangerous nanoparticles (NPs). Some communities may not even know that they act as the ultimate “sink” for nanomaterials.