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Implications of Nanotechnology for Environmental Health Research (2005) / Chapter Skim
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1 Preparing for Nanotechnology: Health, Policy, and Emerging Issues
Pages 6-10

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
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From page 6...
... Nanotechnology is a broad description that is given to processes and technologies used to produce materials which are purposely engineered through the manipulation of atoms. The central tenet of nanotechnology is that almost any chemically stable structure that does not violate existing physical law can be built.
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From page 7...
... The third group is nanotubes that are used in coatings to dissipate and minimize static electricity in fuel lines and hard disk handling trays; they can also be found in electrostatically paintable car exterior components, flameretardant fillers for plastics, and field emitter sources in flat panel displays. The fourth group is quantum dots used in exploratory medical diagnostics and therapeutics and self assembly of nanoelectronic structures.
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From page 8...
... Such effects are beginning and are described in Chapter 4. NANOTECHNOLOGY: POLICY IMPLICATIONS Policy makers must ensure that nanotechnology is developed as a safe con sumer product, said David Rejeski of Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
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From page 9...
... Policy makers have to bear in mind that nanotechnology is being developed globally, and Many of the governmental regulatory not only in industrialized countries but frameworks we have today were also in developing countries that do not conceived 30­40 years ago, when have strict regulations even for con- nanotechnology did not yet exist and ventional chemicals. Therefore, there therefore do not specifically address the is a good possibility that an accidental unique properties of nanomaterials.
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From page 10...
... This interface is traditionally underdeveloped and understaffed by government, but crucial to the development of new technologies in ways that are socially and environmentally responsible. In concluding, Rejeski suggested that policy makers need to start thinking about voluntary agreements with industry on the responsible use of nanotechnology and push the development of more models that bring together universities, NGOs, and industry to develop principles and best practices.
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Key Terms

  • health agencies
  • quantum dots
  • governmental regulatory
  • specifically address
  • press coverage

  • rejeski suggested
  • mineral composites
  • considerable attention
  • ocean spray
  • received considerable

  • genetically modified
  • unique properties
  • magnetotactic bacteria
  • multiple products
  • scratch resistant

  • widely appreciated
  • cut corners
  • environmental ngos
  • paintable car
  • deeper social

  • fuel lines
  • positive results
  • chemical polishing
  • modified organisms
  • cautious approach

  • plausible near
  • violate existing
  • bears fruit
  • video game
  • game industry


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