From risk perception to risk governance in nanotechnology: a multi-stakeholder study

Abstract

Nanotechnology is widely used in several industrial and consumer sectors and has the potential to grow further and expand globally. An exploration of stakeholder (SH)’s perceptions is essential to ensuring that robust risk governance processes are in place for nanotechnology and nano-related products. In response, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate SH’s perceptions of nanotechnology and nano-related products over the past 15 years. To build on this work and to capture current perceptions across a wide panel of SHs, we conducted a multi-national and cross-sectoral SH study of awareness, perceptions and opinions regarding the use and potential impact on society and the environment of nanomaterials (NMs) and nano-related products, and SH’s expectations about risk governance. The study was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative inquiries and targeted more than 3000 SHs across different sectors in a total of 15 countries. Results showed a tendency towards more convergence of opinions amongst all the relevant SHs and the public respondents than in past studies. There was consensus on the crucial importance of having unbiased, scientific and trustable information regarding the potential impacts of NMs and nano-related products on the environment, health and safety. SHs were interested in having more internationally harmonised and robust regulation for NMs and nano-related products; improved scientific evidence on nanomaterial hazards, exposures and effects; as well as specific guidance on the safe use of NMs. Overall, this work provides an updated scenario of SHs’ perceptions regarding nanotechnology and nano-related products, underscoring the importance of including SH needs in effective risk governance strategies.

Predicting intention of Norwegian dental health‐care workers to use nanomaterials: An application of the augmented theory of planned behavior

“…Moreover, there is evidence indicating that risk perceptions related to nanotechnology are higher among laypersons than among nanotechnology experts, policy makers, and risk managers [9,10,[13][14][15]. However, possible environmental pollution and long-term health problems associated with nanotechnology, as well as use of nanomaterials in food, cosmetics, and packaging, have raised higher concerns among scientists than among non-experts [14,15]. Interestingly, a recent study revealed that nano-scientists and engineers perceive lower risk than the experts involved in risk regulation and management [16].…”

“…Studies from Europe and the United States have demonstrated that the general public is rather unfamiliar with the topic of nanomaterials [8][9][10][11] and that their attitudes toward nanotechnology are either positive or neutral [8,11,12]. Moreover, there is evidence indicating that risk perceptions related to nanotechnology are higher among laypersons than among nanotechnology experts, policy makers, and risk managers [9,10,[13][14][15]. However, possible environmental pollution and long-term health problems associated with nanotechnology, as well as use of nanomaterials in food, cosmetics, and packaging, have raised higher concerns among scientists than among non-experts [14,15].…”

“…Interestingly, a recent study revealed that nano-scientists and engineers perceive lower risk than the experts involved in risk regulation and management [16]. Considering that nanotechnology is a relatively new and continuously developing field, the opinions of stakeholders and the general public have not been completely established and thus might change in pace with accumulation of new knowledge [14].…”

“…Recently, it has been demonstrated that dentists and dental hygienists have moderate knowledge about nanomaterials and perceive both risks and benefits related to their application [21]. Although several studies have reported on public and expert opinion about nanotechnology, few studies have investigated the attitudes of dental health-care professionals toward this technology [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Thus, our understanding of the reasons why dental health-care workers use or refrain from use of nanomaterials in the context of clinical dental care is incomplete.…”

Risk Governance of Emerging Technologies Demonstrated in Terms of its Applicability to Nanomaterials

“…The rapid expansion of nanotechnology as a key enabling technology (KET) in several economic sectors raises significant concerns in the scientific and regulatory world in many European countries, and globally, regarding the possible hazards and risks posed by nanomaterials (NMs) to human health (both workers and consumers) and the environment, [1] while the concerns of the public are highly dependable on the risk perception of NMs and the level of understanding of nanotechnology. [2][3][4][5] Such concerns, if not governed by proper risk assessment and management approaches, may significantly hamper the great potential of nanotechnology to deliver industrial, energy, environmental, health, and other benefits. [6] In general, the rapid development of nanotechnologies has not been matched by the speed of nanospecific adjustments in regulatory frameworks for safety used across a range of applications, as well as emerging innovative NMs, which is where risk governance comes to the fore.…”