>
Spotlight November 2020: Nanotechnology in the public perception
In November, we would like to draw your attention to a publication that examines public perception of the safety of nanomaterials in Austria.It shows, that although there is generally a rather positive attitude towards nanomaterials, there are different opinions on safety issues from different social groups. Further clarification seems necessary.
Despite the widespread use of nanomaterials in everyday life, consumer knowledge of the functions, benefits and potential risks of nanotechnology is still limited. As with any developing technology, their public perception has direct implications for future policy and needs to be taken into account by both academia and industry. Within the interdisciplinary research project “Nan-O-Style”, an online survey was conducted with an approach guided by the citizen science community. The main objective was to evaluate the current state of knowledge and attitudes towards nanotechnology in the general Austrian public and to determine how different socio-demographic factors can influence them.
Although Austrians generally have an optimistic and positive attitude towards nanotechnology, there are still concerns about its safety and possible risks. Participants expressed a strong desire for more information about nanotechnology and its applications, as well as for clear labeling and transparency of products containing nanomaterials. A consideration of various sociological factors was also made.
Original Publication::
Isabella A. Jouberta, Mark Gepperta, Stefanie Essa, Reinhard Nestelbacherb, Gabriele Gadermaiera, Albert Duschla, Arne C. Bathkec, Martin Himlya (2020) Public perception and knowledge on nanotechnology: A study based on a citizen science approach. NanoImpact 17. doi.org/10.1016/j.impact.2019.100201
Weitere Spotlights
Spotlight February 2021: Nanoobjects in the COVID-vaccine – scientifically correct?
The COVID-19 pandemic induces very different reactions of people on the internet (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7002e1.htm) and in the social networks. Without following the conspiracy theories as “5G nanochip hidden in COVID vaccines” some news as “COVID vaccines induce allergic reactions” should be scientifically recognised. The picture from the 5G-nanochip whose plan goes viral on the internet is […]
Read moreSpotlight March 2023: How can photovoltaics be made safe and sustainable?
Conventional photovoltaic systems often have only low efficiency, i.e. only a fraction of the solar energy is converted into electrical energy and made usable. For this reason, research is being conducted into innovative materials that can significantly increase the energy yield and thus also enable more electrical energy to be generated from renewable sources. However, […]
Read moreSpotlight August 2020: The nanoGRAVUR Grouping approach
In August, we would like to present a paper of the German BMBF project nanoGRAVUR. nanoGRAVUR dealt from 2015-2018 with the grouping of nanostructured materials with regard to occupational safety, consumer and environmental protection and risk mitigation. The approach is now described by the project partners in this paper.Due to the variety of synthetic nanomaterials and the numerous modifications (differences in size, shape, chemical composition and surface functionalization), the effort required to investigate effects and behaviour within the framework of regulatory requirements is…
Read moreSpotlight March 2022: Safe Materials from Scratch – Safe-by-Design-Concept in action
In recent decades, German research on nanomaterials and new, innovative materials has been widely expanded by material safety aspects. European initiatives also pay significant attention to this: both the European Union (EU) Green Deal, and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) aim to create a sustainable, climate-neutral economy with sustainable and safe chemicals and products, […]
Read more