Nanotechnology and Health Risks Facts Sheet Published by The Health & Environment Alliance

The Health & Environment Alliance fact sheet on Nanotechnology and Health Risks has been published on the HEAL website and can be downloaded by following the link.

The fact sheet, developed in close consultation with member organisations and other NGOs, focuses on the definition of nanotechnology and nanoparticles, highlights the risks of nano-toxicity for human health and the environment, summarises the EU action so far, and provides policy recommendations on how to manage nanotechnology calling for a precautionary approach.

HEAL calls for a strongly precautionary approach to manage nanotechnology:

• The assessment of nanomaterials as new chemicals
• Mandatory safety testing of nanomaterials prior to their inclusion in commercial products
• Requirements for product labels to indicate the presence of manufactured nano materials/particles
• The consideration of nanotechnology’s broader societal implications alongside questions of basic safety
• Public participation in decision-making regarding nanotechnology’s introduction and in determining priorities for public spending on nanotechnology research and development

Recognising that concern has been expressed at the highest scientific levels about the health risks of nanomaterials, until such time as these actions are taken to manage nanotechnology’s risks, we support a moratorium on the further commercial sale of products that incorporate manufactured nanomaterials.