Small sizes that matter: opportunities and risks of nanotechnologies

Joint report published by the insurance company Allianz Group and the Organization for Economic Co-ordination surveying the level of investment in nanotechnology and possible strategies for risk management. Report highlights the need for a new approach to be developed for addressing risk in emerging industries that allows stakeholders from industry, government, academe, and the general public to debate, identify and address risk options. Report concludes with a summary of recommendations, including expanded independent research into the risk of nanoparticles to humans and the environment, the development of comparative risk classification schemes and databases, focusing the attention of underwriters and risk managers on critical issues, and developing a sustainable regulatory framework that does not stifle development but allows industry to operate safely.