A Basis for Action - Commission de l'éthique de la science et de la ...

Position Statement of the Commission de l'éthique de la science et de la technologie
short, nanoscience* and nanotechnology deal with matter and its structures at the nanoscale* (for
illustrative purposes, note that a single hair varies between 50,000 and 100,000 nanometers in diameter)
in order to use the particular properties that matter may acquire at a dimension less than
100 nanometers due to the quantum effects* occurring at that scale. The most commonly sought
properties include resistance, lightness, malleability, non-flammability, and conductivity. These
properties are obtained by creating nanomaterials* like nanotubes*, fullerenes*, quantum dots*,
nanoparticles*, nanopowders*, nanofilms,* and many other forms that matter can take at the
nanoscale.
The emerging technologies of the infinitely small suggest possibilities that have spurred phenomenal
scientific success, stoked the enthusiasm of researchers, and unleashed the imagination of science
fiction writers. Arising from the convergence* of fundamental physics, chemistry, and biology research,
nanotechnology is often touted as one of the most promising technologies for the future of humanity.
With the evolution and success of research, nanotechnology is less and less confined to university
laboratories, and its applications are increasingly appearing in a host of sectors ranging from optics and
electronics, information technologies, textile engineering, and the environment to medicine,
pharmaceuticals, and national security. The most common nanotechnology-derived products now
available on the market include sun creams and a variety of cosmetics, photographic film, paint,
household appliances, hard drives, certain textiles, and numerous sporting goods. 6
As products with nanometric components leave from the laboratory to be manufactured and
commercialized, and governments invest in the development and promotion of a technology with
potentially unprecedented spinoffs, the Commission felt it wise to explore the topic from an ethical
perspective. Undoubtedly, the expected benefits are tremendous and could help solve many of the
problems facing developed and developing contemporary societies. What kind of changes are
anticipated or expected? How will nanotechnology innovation affect individuals—citizens, consumers,
and workers—and society as a whole, not to mention future generations? Should adverse effects on
health, the environment, or in other areas be anticipated in order to prevent them or keep them to a
minimum? Problems encountered in recent years with asbestos, mercury, lead, DDT, freon, and
recently teflon raise the question of the long term effects of new substances like engineered
nanomaterials and nanoparticles. Questions also persist about some of the possible aims of
nanotechnology, particularly as regards physical or intellectual performance optimization in humans.
Moreover, like other technologies that emerged in the second part of the 20 th century—particularly
biotechnology, genomics, proteomics, and genetics—nanotechnology points to the need to resolve
certain problems inherent to scientific and technological progress in democratic and pluralistic
societies, including the issues of intellectual property and patent management, as well as the role of
citizens in scientific decision making.
The Commission’s position statement consists of three chapters that take stock of the scientific, legal,
and ethical implications of nanotechnology. In its ethical assessment of nanotechnology, the
6 Visit the NanoQuébec website for current information on new products on the market or under
development: http://www.nanoquebec.ca. Also see the inventory of consumer products derived from
nanotechnologies presented by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at
http://www.nanotechproject.org/index.php?id=44.
2 Ethics and Nanotechnology:
A Basis for Action