Navigating the Uncharted: Assessing Nanomaterial Risks
Navigating the Nano Frontier: Technology Risk Assessment Frameworks for Nanomaterials Nanotechnology promises revolutionary advancements across diverse fields, from medicine and energy to manufacturing and electronics. However, this exciting frontier comes with inherent risks that require careful consideration. Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for ensuring the responsible development and deployment of nanomaterials. This is where technology risk assessment frameworks come into play. Why are Nanomaterials Unique? Nanomaterials exhibit unique properties due to their incredibly small size (typically 1-100 nanometers). These enhanced properties, while beneficial in many applications, can also pose unforeseen risks to human health and the environment. Factors like increased reactivity, altered toxicity pathways, and potential for bioaccumulation require specialized assessment frameworks. Key Elements of a Nanotechnology Risk...