Ethical and scientific issues of nanotechnology in the workplace

As it currently stands, little is know about the possible risks associated with occupational exposure to nanoparticles. In the absence of clear scientific data, the authors suggest decision makers can use the ethical issues involved in workplace exposure as a guide to predict how much caution is warranted. The article first outlines a framework for the ethical assessment, and summarizes the current scientific knowledge (and lack of knowledge) about nanotechnology health risks. The authors then discuss some of the main ethical issues related to the identification and communication of risks by scientists, companies, and governmental agencies, the acceptance of risk by the employees and workers, the implementation of these controls, the choice of employees to participate in medical screening, and adequate investment toxicological and exposure control research.