UK consumer organisation launches nanotechnology campaign
The UK consumer organisation Which? launched a nanotechnology campaign that aims to ‘ensure that nano products are developed and marketed responsibly.’ During a specially convened summit on nanotechnologies, Which? called on the UK Government ‘to deal with the big implications of nanotechnologies without further delay’; the consumer group’s demands were listed in a 10 point action plan, which had been launched in September 2007 in the Which? Briefing entitled Small scale, large impact. The meeting featured keynote address from Science Minister Ian Pearson, who outlined the government’s vision for nanotechnologies as ‘a measured approach considering all the opportunities and issues that nanotechnologies represent.’
Other Which? activities in nanotechnology include the publication of the results of a public survey in December 2007, and the conduct of a Citizens’ Panel in November 2007, which aimed to assess consumer issues raised by nanotechnologies. The procedures of the Citizens’ Panel have been published in a report, prepared by Opinion Leader; the key findings include of the panel highlight a long list of opportunities of nanotechnologies, but also issues of most concern to the citizens and controls they would like to see in place.
Follow these links to find out more about the Which? campaign on nanotechnology, or to download the report on the Which? Citizens’ Panel.