28 February 2008
At a specially convened summit on nanotechnologies hosted by Which? today, the consumer watchdog called on the Government to deal with the big implications of nanotechnologies without further delay.
Which? revealed the results of its recent Citizens’ Panel* which showed that, while people are excited about the potential benefits of nanotechnologies, they are also concerned about the potential risks some applications present. Nanotechnologies use materials on an incredibly small scale that can change properties in ways not always fully known or understood, yet they are already used in a wide range of consumer products with many more in the pipeline.
The Summit featured a keynote address from Ian Pearson MP, Minister for Science, in which he outlined the Government’s vision for nanotechnologies.
Despite reviews and recommendations from respected scientific institutions and advisory committees highlighting the need for action, Which? is still concerned that developments are racing ahead of government action to ensure safety and public engagement.
During the debate, Which? called for a Government task force to take immediate steps to establish how nanotechnologies are being used in the UK and to urgently address gaps in current regulations to deal with the unique properties of some nanomaterials. A mandatory, not a voluntary, approach is in Which?’s view needed to get to grips with what is coming to market, to properly inform consumers and to ensure that they are not put at unnecessary risk.
Sue Davies, Chief Policy Advisor, Which?, said:
“Nanotechnologies offer many potential benefits; anything from self-cleaning windows to more effective cancer drugs.
“But the research and regulation isn’t keeping up with the pace of development. It’s the Government’s responsibility to ensure that consumers are adequately protected - something that’s currently not happening.
“The Government must show a sense of urgency around the need for action. Our 10 Point Action Plan sets out the priority areas they must focus on, including ensuring that consumers are adequately informed, protected and engaged in discussions about the future of nanotechnologies.’
The summit, chaired by TV broadcaster and journalist Nick Ross, highlighted:
• Which?s 10 priority actions for Government to ensure that consumers can take advantage of nanotechnologies without being put at unnecessary risk
• The results of the Which? Citizens’ Panel
The Summit, which covered the themes of consumer benefits, risks and regulation and public engagement heard views from Richard Jones, Professor of Physics, University of Sheffield; Nick Green, Team Leader, The Royal Society; Andrew Opie, Food Policy Director, British Retail Consortium and John Roberts, Head of Chemicals and Nanotechnologies Division, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
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For further information, visit www.which.co.uk/nanotechnologies or contact Adam Williams in the Which? press office on 020 7770 7563
• Opinion Leader research conducted a Citizens’ Panel on behalf of Which? with 14 members of the public. Panellists were selected broadly to reflect the general public and sat for three days from 29th November – 1 December 2007. Expert witnesses were called upon to explain nanotechnologies, the overall benefits and issues, applications in particular areas and the policies and controls in place. The panel was overseen by a steering group, with a range of expertise and interests, who advised on the approach, agenda and selection of witnesses (see www.which.co.uk/nanotechnologies for full details
• Which? Ten Point Action Plan
CO-ORDINATION: Establish a strategic stakeholder group – and a task force now
PRODUCTS: Understand what’s on the market and what’s coming
DEFINITIONS: Ensure that there are agreed definitions
RESEARCH: Address uncertainties around environmental health risks
ASSESSMENT: Clarify how to carry out risk assessments
PRECAUTION: Apply where there are potential risks but it is not possible to assess their safety
TRANSPARENCY: About uncertainties, safety assessments and uses
REGULATION: Address regulatory gaps and provide clear guidance
INFORMATION: About where nanomaterials are used and ensure claims are true
ENGAGEMENT: Meaningful public debate about the development of technology and the priorities
