Engineered nanomaterials will have a decisive influence on innovation processes in many high-technology fields and industrial sectors in the next decades. However, commercial success will be significantly influenced by the societal acceptance of nanotechnology, which is directly connected with the implementation of safe and responsible use of nanomaterials.
This book gives an up-to-date review of all relevant aspects with regard to the safety of engineered nanomaterials and their impact on health and the environment. It covers the whole life cycle of nanomaterials production, use, transport and disposal, toxicological properties, exposure to man and environment and the mobility in the human body and eco systems. It also addresses regulatory and practical issues in chemical safety, occupational safety and health, consumer and environmental protection as well as the societal and economic context, such as market potentials of nanomaterials, medical applications, public acceptance, risk communication and management. The book is based on the knowledge of leading experts from research and the government in the field of safety research and policy for nanomaterials.
About the Editors:
Wolfgang Luther has been working as a senior technology consultant at the VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany, since 1999. His main field of activity is consultancy for government and industry with regard to technological forecasting and socioeconomic background analysis in the area of nanotechnology. This includes strategic orientation of funding policy, market assessment, technology transfer in different industrial sectors, and risk assessment and management.
Axel Zweck is head of the Zukünftige Technologien Consulting (ZTC) of the Association of German Engineers (VDI). ZTC offers strategic consultancy for future-oriented technological and societal problems. This prospective work is undertaken for clients from policy, political administration, research institutions, industry, and medium-size enterprises. Zweck is also honorary professor for future and innovation research at the University of Aachen, Germany. He gives lectures in the identification of emerging technologies, regional and national foresight, innovation management, and research policy in general.
