Nanotechnology - Nanotech Regulatory Document Archive - Arizona ...

WHO-EU Project on “ENHANCED POLICY ADVICE ON ENVIRONMENT AND
HEALTH IN EUROPE”
Health effects of several environmental risk factors are a frequent cause of concern
and controversy. When faced with crises generated by such controversies, the
response of European institutions is not always prompt and univocal. In line with its
mandate, WHO has been offering institutions scientific and policy advice.
The project proposes that this service is refined further in order to:
• address more promptly,
• effectively
• in a consistent manner concerns and controversies in environment and health
in Europe
through the development and piloting a systematic policy advice service, based on
standardized procedures.
Specific objectives are:
• to identify suitable mechanisms,
• to identify criteria,
• to design standard procedures,
• to pilot criteria and procedures for policy advice function,
• to prepare guidelines for management of cases of concern on environment and
health in Europe.
Four case studies have been chosen to test the criteria and procedures developed in the
methodology. These are:
• EMF,
• climate change,
• nanotechnologies,
• urban planning.
Nanotechnologies
Purpose :
To formulate conclusions for policy making regarding nanotechnologies which will
be based on existing reviews, research and studies concerning potential environmental
health risks of nanotechnologies.
Although governments are investing substantially in nanotechnologies, scientific
evidence on their potential negative health and environmental impacts is limited and
controversial. At the same time, there are substantial expectation of positive aspects of
these technologies including health and environmental applications. Novelty of
technology entails a high degree of uncertainty on virtually all aspects of the possible
health implications.
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