UK Nanotechnologies Strategy Published

Concerns over the safety of nanotechnologies to not only those working wirthin the industry, but also those of the general public, have been highlighted previously by Unionsafety.

This week, and for the first time, the government published it's strategy aimed at making the UK world leaders in the use of this new and, for many, worrying new and emerging science.

The document, available to download from the E-Library Database, covers some 56 pages and spells out the government's thinking around Business, Industry and Innovation, Environmental, Health and Safety Research
and Regulation of the industry.

The document's Foreward says:

"The UK is in an excellent position to be at the forefront of nanotechnologies development, and we must maintain momentum and keep pace with the biggest players on the international stage. The UK’s manufacturing base is a cornerstone of our continued and sustainable economic recovery. Nanotechnologies have the potential to drive innovative and competitive industry because they can enable advancement in so many key manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aerospace, construction and biosciences."

It adds:

" There is a role for Government to support and facilitate these developments so that both the UK economy and its consumers can benefit fully from nanotechnologies. This means not only working to create a cohesive and flourishing industry, but also acknowledging and addressing the implications for health, safety and the environment so that we can all use products containing nanotechnologies with confidence."

Outlining the startegy, page 8 states that:

"Government recognises its role in optimising the UK’s position to benefit from the development of nanotechnologies. In order to achieve this, Government must act in the following areas and these will form the basis of this Strategy:

*  Business, Innovation and Industry;
*  Environmental, Health and Safety Research;
*  Regulation;
*  The Wider World.

Above all, it is Government’s role to protect health and the environment during the development and use of nanotechnologies. This  Strategy represents an important step in this ongoing process."

The important issues for Union Safety Reps is in the detail on page 20, Chapter 3 entitled Environmental, Health and Safety Research. This gives details of the Government's plan to ensure the safety of those working in the industry and that of the general public:

"Actions in this area will help to establish a fuller understanding of risks associated with the use of nanomaterials and any resulting exposure to them. Like all materials and chemicals, the specific safety implications for any given nanomaterial are likely to differ significantly from material to material. Also, the way in which the material is used has an effect on the likelihood of human or environmental exposure. Research into this area is essential in order to understand how different nanomaterials may impact on human health and the wider environment."

Issued March 17th, the complete document goes into detail as to how the strategy will be implemented. It can be downloaded from the E-Libary by clicking on the pic above.

Source: NDS

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