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
Nanomaterials are produced according to the two main approaches discussed above: the top-down
approach and the bottom-up approach. Within these two approaches, a variety of techniques are used
to manipulate matter according to the nature of the desired product. In the top-down approach,
lithography* techniques are used, e.g., in electronics to produce silicon chips. In optics, precision
cutting, etching, and abrasion technologies are used to produce high-precision parts. In the bottom-up
approach, a variety of processes may be used: chemical synthesis processes to produce raw materials
like the nanoparticles used in cosmetics, paint, and other products; self-assembly or self-organization*
processes to produce nanocrystals, nanofilms, and nanotubes, e.g., for screen manufacturing; and
positional assembly* processes to experimentally manipulate and position atoms and molecules one by
one to create a structure. 37
In both nanoscience and nanotechnology, “the limits between sectors are confusing and always blurred.
This being the case, nanomaterials are the common denominator. They are highly significant, not only
as new films and conducting materials in nanoelectronics, but also as sensor materials in
nanobiotechnology.” 38 In the current state of technology and research development, nanomaterials are
primarily integrated into existing products to improve certain features or give them added benefits.
Examples include transparent sunscreens, cosmetics that penetrate the skin more deeply, more durable
tires, longer-lasting tennis balls that bounce better, corrosion-resistant paints, antiglare glass,
antibacterial dressings, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, etc. 39 (also see inset). In the medium or long term,
however, nanomaterials will be used for much more ambitious objectives in areas like energy and the
environment. Nanomaterials are also an integral part of the development of research and new
nanotechnology applications in electronics and health, which will be discussed below.
Possible Uses for Nanomaterials
“The mechanical resistance properties of nanomaterials can be applied to sectors as diverse as building materials,
household appliances, and medical devices. Land, water, air, and space transport equipment made with
nanomaterials will be lighter, carry a heavier load, use less energy, and therefore be less polluting.
Nanoparticles also have another interesting property due to their small dimensions: an outstanding
surface/volume ratio. This will help increase the efficiency of catalysts, particularly those used in oil refining and
the fertilizer industry, as well as pollutant absorption (using antipollution filters and catalytic converters in
vehicles) and hydrogen storage (to power fuel cells* in electric cars).”
MINISTÈRE DÉLÉGUÉ À LA RECHERCHE
ET AUX NOUVELLES TECHNOLOGIES (France) 40
37 Ibid., p. 25–30.
38 AMBASSADE DE FRANCE EN ALLEMAGNE, Les nanotechnologies en Allemagne, Domaines des nanomatériaux et de
la nanoelectronique, October 2005, p. 9 [online] http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/rapports/
smm05_085.htm [our translation].
39 See, among others, SCIENCE-METRIX, Canadian Stewardship Practices for Environmental Nanotechnology, Stéphane
BERGERON and Éric ARCHAMBAULT, on behalf of Environment Canada, March 2005, p. 2 [online]
http://www.science-metrix.com/pdf/SM_2004_016_EC_Report_Stewardship._Nanotechnology_
Environment.pdf and EUROPEAN COMMISSION. COMMUNITY HEALTH AND CONSUMER PROTECTION,
Nanotechnologies: A Preliminary Risk Analysis…, 2004, p. 138 [online] http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/
ph_risk/events_risk_en.htm.
40 Op. cit., p. 28 [our translation].
14 Ethics and Nanotechnology:
A Basis for Action