The 'Wicked' Problem of Regulating Nanotechnologies

The 'Wicked' Problem of Regulating Nanotechnologies PDF Author: Diana Megan Bowman
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Ubiquitous in nature, regulation shapes decision-making and human behavior. Its impact can, as it has often been argued, encourage or stifle innovation, especially in relation to emerging technologies such as nanotechnologies. It is therefore not surprising that the regulatory debate in relation to nanotechnologies is highly contested. And as an increasing number of nanotechnology-based products make their way onto the market - in an environment of imperfect information - such debates have only intensified. The aim of this chapter is to introduce readers to the notion of regulation and illustrate how regulation in its many guises is currently being employed to govern nanotechnologies.

International Handbook on Regulating Nanotechnologies

International Handbook on Regulating Nanotechnologies PDF Author: Graeme A. Hodge
Publisher: Edward Elgar Pub
ISBN: 9781848446731
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 611

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Book Description
'The Handbook's 26 chapters do a remarkable job of capturing the last decade of commentary and policy perspective regarding nano-related environmental health and safety regulatory issues, along with providing some fresh perspectives on where its future might be headed. It is an invaluable primer for those wanting to hear about the issue from some of the most authoritative voices in the area.' - John C. Monica, Jr., Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP

Nanotechnology Environmental Health and Safety

Nanotechnology Environmental Health and Safety PDF Author: Matthew Hull
Publisher: William Andrew
ISBN: 1455731900
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 463

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Book Description
Nanotechnology Environmental Health and Safety, Second Edition focuses not only on the impact of nanotechnology and the discipline of nanotoxicity, but also explains each of these disciplines through in the context of management requirements and via risk scenarios — providing an overview of regulation, risk management, and exposure. Contributors thoroughly explain environmental health and safety (EHS) issues, financial implications, foreseeable risks (e.g., exposure, dose, hazards of nanomaterials), occupational hygiene, and consumer protection. Key new chapters have been included covering eco-toxicity, nanomedicine, informatics, and future threats. New case studies have also been added, including a chapter on the impact of nanosilver on the environment, as well as an assessment of how well lessons have been learned from the past, such as in the case of asbestos. The book also makes a business case for the importance of proactive EHS management - essential reading for existing or prospective producers of nanoscale products. Practical guidance on risk management and mitigation across different legislative frameworks worldwide Reviews toxicological studies and industrial initiatives, supported by numerous case studies Includes extensive new material on the implications of nanotechnology for medicine, energy and food, as well as assessing future threats

New Global Frontiers in Regulation

New Global Frontiers in Regulation PDF Author: Graeme A. Hodge
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 184720872X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 445

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Book Description
This is an insightful collection by leading thinkers in both regulation and nanotechnology. It confronts new technological challenges with fresh regulatory insight. John Braithwaite, Australian National University Our growing ability to manufacture materials at the atomic scale will change our lives for the better, and tomorrow s nano-economy will outperform today s information age. Or so its proponents claim. Others maintain that a future dominated by commercial incentives risks a toxicological nightmare to rival the sorry global story of asbestos. This important volume is a timely contribution to increasing international calls to regulate nanotechnologies. By investigating the ways in which we could regulate these advances, and what we are learning from regulating existing technologies, such as biotechnologies and information technologies, the book debates the roles of government, business actors and the professions in protecting and enhancing the lives of citizens. In placing particular emphasis on the lessons of earlier technology advances, this book is unique in its broad consideration of the ethical, legal and social issues entwined within the development of the nanotechnology family. The multi-jurisdictional and interdisciplinary nature of the book will appeal to governments, academics, and civil societies across many parts of the world, while also remaining accessible to informed readers with an interest in nanotechnology and the policy and governance issues associated with technology development and regulation.

Handbook of Critical Policy Studies

Handbook of Critical Policy Studies PDF Author: Frank Fischer
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 1783472359
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 536

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Book Description
Critical policy studies, as illustrated in this Handbook, challenges the conventional approaches public policy inquiry. But it offers important innovations as well, in particular its focus on discursive politics, policy argumentation and deliberation, and interpretive modes of analysis.

Nanotechnology and Environmental Health and Safety: Issues for Consideration

Nanotechnology and Environmental Health and Safety: Issues for Consideration PDF Author: John F. Sargent
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 1437982484
Category : Nanotechnology
Languages : en
Pages : 41

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Book Description
Nanotechnology a term encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology is focused on understanding, controlling, and exploiting the unique properties of matter that can emerge at scales of one to 100 nanometers. A key issue before Congress regarding nanotechnology is how best to protect human health, safety, and the environment as nanoscale materials and products are researched, developed, manufactured, used, and discarded. While the rapidly emerging field of nanotechnology is believed by many to offer significant economic and societal benefits, some research results have raised concerns about the potential adverse environmental, health, and safety (EHS) implications of nanoscale materials. Stakeholders generally agree that concerns about potential detrimental effects of nanoscale materials and devices both real and perceived must be addressed to protect and improve human health, safety, and the environment; enable accurate and efficient risk assessment, risk management, and cost-benefit trade-offs; foster innovation and public confidence; and ensure that society can enjoy the widespread economic and societal benefits that nanotechnology may offer. Congressionally-mandated reviews of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) by the National Research Council and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology have concluded that additional research is required to make a rigorous risk assessment of nanoscale materials.

Assessing the Societal Implications of Emerging Technologies

Assessing the Societal Implications of Emerging Technologies PDF Author: Evan S. Michelson
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317302222
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 215

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Book Description
A growing problem of interest in the field of science and technology policy is that the next generation of innovations is arriving at an accelerating rate, and the governance system is struggling to catch up. Current approaches and institutions for effective technology assessment are ill suited and poorly designed to proactively address the multidimensional, interconnected societal impacts of science and technology advancements that are already taking place and expected to continue over the course of the 21st century. This book offers tangible insights into the strategies deployed by well-known, high-profile organizations involved in anticipating the various societal and policy implications of nanotechnology and synthetic biology. It focuses predominantly on an examination of the practices adopted by the often-cited and uniquely positioned Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies in the United States, as well as being informed by comparisons with a range of institutions also interested in embedding forward-looking perspectives in their respective area of innovation. The book lays out one of the first actionable roadmaps that other interested stakeholders can follow when working toward institutionalizing anticipatory governance practices throughout the policymaking process.

Governing Nanotechnology Safety

Governing Nanotechnology Safety PDF Author: Ronit Justo-Hanani
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 1800372876
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 131

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Book Description
Examining one of the fastest growing industries in the world, Ronit Justo-Hanani compares the distinctly different approaches between both sides of the Atlantic when regulating the health, safety and environmental risks of nanotechnology and its novel properties.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology PDF Author: Patrick M. Boucher
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1420053507
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 272

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Book Description
Existing laws have a generality that permits them to be applied to nanotechnology, but eventually it will be necessary to generate legislation targeted to issues specific to nanotechnology. As nanotechnology continues to develop into commercially viable products, legal doctrines are increasingly likely to play an important role in protecting intellectual property, facilitating financial transactions, and handling health, safety, and environmental issues. Nanotechnology: Legal Aspects provides thorough, yet comprehensible overview of different legal doctrines that are relevant to nanotechnology and explains how they may apply in the development, commercialization, and use of nano-products. The book is divided into three parts that correspond to the different phases in the lifecycle of nano-products: Protection, Regulation, and Liability. The in-depth coverage of these topics in a single source sets this work apart from others at the interface of law and nanoscience. Accessible to those without specific training in either nanotechnology or law... Nanotechnology: Legal Aspects offers a reader-friendly and affordable alternative that appeals to nano-aware audiences as well as legal professionals, students, and scientists who wish to build a greater understanding of the legal aspects of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology Law

Nanotechnology Law PDF Author: Lorna Brazell
Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN: 9041141863
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 394

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Book Description
Ever since the discovery that very small particles of some substances evince different properties than the substances do in ‘bulk’ form, there has been an interest in developing ‘nanomaterials’ for commercial and industrial purposes. Although some nanomaterials exist in nature, most are chemically engineered for application in a wide variety of processes, ultimately entering the environment in many foods, drugs, cosmetics, clothing, sports goods, pesticides, packaging products and electronics, as well as in the particularly controversial form of tiny ‘machines’. Since the long-term effects of these new, laboratory-created materials and tools on health and the environment are unknown ; and as the particles are so small they can frustrate measuring and monitoring devices ; there has been a growing call for regulation of their use. This is the first book to offer a thorough analysis of the problems posed by nanotechnology in the context of existing legal schemes and trends, focusing on initiatives and debates in the European Union but also considering developments at the global level and in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and China. Setting out how the current debate has arisen, how existing law deals with the issues arising around nanotechnology in areas such as patent rights and manufacturers’ liability, and how various international organizations are searching for some global consensus, the book addresses topics and issues including the following: patentability of nanomaterial products and processes; trade secrecy and nanotechnology; waste and disposal issues; occupational health and safety issues; international initiatives – OECD, FAO, WHO, UNEP and the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM); intersection of nanotechnology with the most important fields of economic development; the extent to which exclusive rights have been registered over early developments in nanotechnology; the practical viability of pre-market toxicity investigation and postmarketing vigilance; contractual and tortious approaches to real or potential liability for harm; application of the precautionary principle in law and regulation; and political responses to existing legislation. Nanomaterials are already a commercial reality; the regulatory debate centres on the question of how to maximize the benefits they may offer while also limiting the risk from unforeseen hazards. This book clearly and comprehensively describes the range of issues relating to the legal framework and practicalities for commercial exploitation of nanotechnologies, and as such will prove of great value and importance to corporate counsel in many manufacturing sectors as well as to regulators and policy makers in environmental and trade law. Lorna is a partner in the London office of Bird & Bird LLP.