Introduction

Governments, universities, and businesses around the world are racing to commercialize nanotechnologies and nanomaterials. Already, hundreds of consumer products either contain nanomaterials (nano-scale chemicals) in the finished product, or are made using nanotechnologies. At the same time, mounting evidence indicates that this new materials revolution poses significant health, safety, and environmental hazards as well as profound social, economic, and ethical challenges. Those speeding the commercialization of nanotechnologies have barely begun the research needed both to clarify and reduce risks and to develop urgently needed ethical, legal and regulatory oversight mechanisms. These mechanisms are required if we are to avoid repeating failures of past “wonder” materials and technologies.

The current situation does not give us hope that we will “get it right” with nanotechnology. Manufacturing and laboratory settings operate without proper safety guidance or protection measures. Consumers are involuntarily exposed to unlabeled nanomaterial ingredients in products, without being informed of potential risks. Nanomaterials are disposed of and released into the environment despite unknown impacts and inadequate means to detect, track or remove the new materials. Governments and industry developers of nanotechnologies provide few meaningful opportunities for informed public participation in discussions and decisions about how, or even whether, to proceed with the “nano”-ization of the world.

This document declares eight fundamental principles that we believe must provide the foundation for adequate and effective oversight and assessment of the emerging field of nanotechnology, including those nanomaterials that are already in widespread commercial use.

THE PRINCIPLES
I. A Precautionary Foundation
II. Mandatory Nano-specific Regulations
III. Health and Safety of the Public and Workers
IV. Environmental Protection
V. Transparency
VI. Public Participation
VII. Inclusion of Broader Impacts
VII. Manufacturer Liability

A precautionary approach is fundamental. A precautionary approach requires mandatory, nano-specific oversight mechanisms to account for the unique characteristics of the materials. Within those mechanisms, the protection of public health and worker safety requires a committed focus on critical risk research and immediate action to mitigate potential exposures until safety is demonstrated. Similar emphasis and action must be taken with regard to safeguarding the natural environment. Throughout, oversight must be transparent and provide public access to information regarding decision-making processes, safety testing and products. Open, meaningful and full public participation at every level is essential. These discussions and analyses should include consideration of nanotechnology’s wide-ranging effects, including ethical and social impacts. Finally, developers and manufacturers must be stewards responsible for the safety and effectiveness of their processes and products, and retain liability for any adverse impacts stemming from them. Governmental bodies, organizations, and relevant parties should implement comprehensive oversight mechanisms enacting, incorporating and internalizing these basic principles as soon as possible.1

1 This declaration in no manner limits or binds the signatories from any other relevant actions or statements, including unilateral or joint superseding statements on nanotechnology policy. Each organization continues to fulfill their respective mission statements in accordance with their own fundamental guiding principles. This joint declaration supplements our organizations’ work in this and related areas. This declaration is not intended to be a comprehensive statement of all possible oversight principles or to encompass all subsequent steps needed for their implementation; rather, it is a starting point from which future implementations of oversight policy can build.