Public reactions to nanotechnology in Switzerland

Final report from a series of focus groups held by the Swiss Centre for Technology Assessment (TA-SWISS) on public perceptions of nanotechnology entitled Publifocus <>. Participants expressed reservations about the use of nanotechnology in food items because of the ratio of potential risks seemed to outweigh potential benefits, but were more favorable about the use of nanotechnology applications in medicine and environmental protection. They were also largely in favor of mandatory labeling for products that contain nanoparticles. Many participants placed trust in publicly funded researchers and government and non-governmental organizations to regulate the use of nanotechnology, but were less trustworthy of research with close ties to industry and the private sector. Participants were generally in favor of nanotechnology research and development, but called for an open and transparent decision-making process that included public discussion and debate from the earliest stages.