
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 January 2023: Special issue on Methods and Protocols in Nanotoxicology published
In the first Spotlight of the new year, we present a special issue on methods and protocols in nanotoxicology published in the journal Frontiers in Toxicology. There are still too few harmonized protocols accepted by the scientific community. To improve this situation, project activities are started and special issues of journals like this one are […]
Read moreSpotlight April 2022: A new risk assessment of nanomaterials in 3D printing is needed
The use of nanomaterials in 3D printing has great potential. Due to the properties of nanoscale materials, many requirements can be implemented in 3D printing. However, these unique properties based on the size of the particles also lead to the need for new risk assessments. This is because if the nanoparticles are released in the […]
Read moreSpotlight December 2020: Rethinking Nanosafety – Part II
In December we would like to draw attention to the special issue: Rethinking Nanosafety – Part II in small. In the July Spotlight we already presented Part I. This special issue “Rethinking Nanosafety – Part II” also features research papers by renowned scientists in the field of nanosafety research. The first part of this special […]
Read moreSpotlight March 2021: Is Nanotechnology the Swiss Army Knife against Future Pandemics?
The COVID 19 outbreak has led to a fundamental rethinking of existing approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods. The need for better and more efficient concepts is global and urgent. Nanotechnology has long been at the forefront of innovation and has led to advances in many different disciplines. Could this interdisciplinary field help develop […]
Read more