How do we promote responsible and sustainable use of nanotechnology?
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest promoting responsible and sustainable use of nanotechnology through Safe by Design frameworks, green nanotechnology, life cycle tools, improved understanding of environmental impacts, innovative risk management methods, and intervention research.
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Introduction
Nanotechnology holds immense potential for advancing various fields, including agriculture, medicine, and environmental conservation. However, its rapid development raises concerns about environmental and human health risks. Promoting responsible and sustainable use of nanotechnology is crucial to harness its benefits while mitigating potential adverse effects.
Key Insights
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Safe by Design Frameworks:
- Implementing the Safe by Design concept can help develop safer nano-formulations by integrating safety and sustainability considerations early in the product development process .
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Green Nanotechnology:
- Green nanotechnology aims to minimize environmental risks by using environmentally benign processes and materials, such as supercritical CO2 and renewable resources, and by considering the lifecycle impacts of nanomaterials.
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Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Research:
- Bridging knowledge gaps in EHS is essential for sustainable nanotechnology development. This includes understanding the environmental exposure, transport, transformation, and fate of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) .
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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):
- Utilizing life cycle tools to assess the sustainability of nanotechnologies can help balance policy and product development, ensuring that nanotechnology advancements are both safe and sustainable .
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Regulatory and Policy Frameworks:
- Existing regulatory frameworks may not fully address the complexities of nanomaterials. A systematic approach that integrates safety and sustainability considerations from the design stage is needed to comply with regulations and gain consumer acceptance .
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Sustainable Agriculture:
- Nanotechnology can enhance sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical inputs, improving nutrient absorption, and increasing crop yields. However, environmental safety concerns must be addressed before large-scale application .
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Responsible Innovation:
- Shifting towards responsible innovation requires changes across all stages of the innovation process, including anticipatory governance and sustainability-oriented governance.
Conclusion
Promoting responsible and sustainable use of nanotechnology involves integrating safety and sustainability considerations early in the design process, utilizing green nanotechnology practices, bridging knowledge gaps in environmental health and safety, and employing life cycle assessments. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to address the unique challenges posed by nanomaterials, and a concerted effort from scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders is essential to ensure that nanotechnology advancements are both beneficial and safe for the environment and human health.
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