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ENT Dealing with nano risks -

Dr. René Zimmer Federal Institute for Risk AssessmentBerlin (Germany)

Nanotechnology dialog activities as a part of a new strategy of risk communication

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 2

Wie giftig sind Nanopartikel?

Vergiftung durch Reinigungssprays

Haushaltsspray bringt sechs Verbraucher in die Klinik

Nanotech Product Recall Underscores Need for Nanotech Moratorium: Is the Magic Gone?

Angst vor Nano im Regal

Has all the magic gone?

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 3

Poisoning cases with Magic Nano

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Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 4

Tasks of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)

Risk identification / risk assessment

Suggestions for limiting potential risks

Risk communication

BfR was actively involved in the elucidation of respiratory problems of consumers after using “Magic Nano”.

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 5

Crisis Communication 1

BfR press releases:

2006-03-31 - Nano warning“Exercise caution when using ‘nano-sealing sprays’ containing a propellant! - When used in confined spaces, they can cause respiratory problems”

2006-04-12 - Has all the magic gone?“Cause of intoxications with nano spray not yet fully elucidated - Scientific discussions at BfR did not produce any clear results”

2006-05-26 - No nano in Magic Nano“Nano particles were not the cause of health problems triggered by sealing sprays! - Products did not contain any ultrafine particles”

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 6

Crisis Communication 2

Three BfR expert meetings were organized between April and June 2006

Results:1. The products concerned didn't contain any

particle in nano-size. Nano-function referred only to the thickness of the thin layer.

2. The active silicon compounds (silanes) of the nano fluid had been eliminated by chemical changes in the further processing process.

→ Magic Nano contains Nano only in its name !

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 7

Nano regulatory activities

development of recommendations for safety assessment of nano spray applications by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI)

recommendation for labeling products or preparations with nanoparticles and for keeping a register of nanoproducts

development of a test strategy for the assessment of health effects of nanoparticles by administrative bodies in Germany

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 8

Risk Communication

undifferentiated reactions to Magic Nano case: entire nanotechnology branch was under suspicion

not only real risks, but also perceived risks can undermine consumer acceptance

if something bad happens to an item that has 'nano' in its name, attention will immediately focus on the whole category of nano products

→ Need for more differentiation by all players involved in nanotechnology

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 9

Delphi survey about risks of nanotechnological applications

• Aimed to the development of risk prevention and risk minimisation strategies

• 2 Delphi surveys:approx. 100 experts will systematically map possible risks of nanotechnology

• 2 separate expert workshops:results were analysed and arranged in a risk barometer

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 10

Aims of the delphi survey

1) inventory of all nanomaterials used

2) mapping materials to applications and to potential exposures of consumers

3) ranking of high-risk and low-risk applications

4) development of strategies to minimize risks

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 11

Consumer conference on perception of nanotechnology

Questions and aims:

• reduction of information deficits and differentiated formation of opinion to nanotechnology among consumers

• compile a qualified consumer vote to consumer relevant applications of nanotechnology

• specific distribution of the consumer vote to decision makers in the fields of consumer protection, politics, science and industry.

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 12

Prospects for Risk Communication

Nano-discourse Platform for Germany

Principles

• open transfer of information to the public

• transparency on how decisions are made

• acknowledgement of uncertainties

• incorporation of other views

Tasks

• provision of dialog forums

• development of new dialog methods

• analysis of the factors influencing perception

Dr. René Zimmer, 2006-08-10, NABIS conference Chicago Page 13

To be prepared lets not wait for the next nano-accident,

but commit to more differentiation in the nano-debate.

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ENT Thank you for your attention

Dr. René ZimmerFederal Institute for Risk AssessmentThielallee 88-92 D-14195 BerlinTel. +49 30 - 84 12 - 3808 Fax +49 30 - 84 12 - 3706r.zimmer@bfr.bund.de www.bfr.bund.de