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
little is known about the topic. A lot of research needs to be done in ecotoxicology in order to assess
the toxicity of these new particles and to understand the surface properties that may lead to toxicity. 205
One of the obstacles noted by IRSST and that in part explains the lack of knowledge in industrial
hygiene is that “at present, the tools normally used in industrial hygiene to evaluate the exposure of
workers are ill suited to the applications of nanoparticles in an occupational setting,” 206 whereas “the
little data available suggests that exposure during the manipulation of powders may be considerable.” 207
The second observation is that specialists do not agree on existing regulations. Some say that no
mechanisms are currently in place to regulate these new objects that blend the classic and quantum
properties of materials—they claim that current instruments concern themselves only with the
materials’ original state. 208 Others feel that regulations cover a good portion of nanotechnology
production, specifically in terms of industrial hygiene, but that modifications must be made to clearly
mention that the regulations in force also apply to nanotechnology. 209 It will be difficult to settle this
issue until more specific data on nanotechnology’s potential impact becomes available.
Until more advanced research is done and more comprehensive regulations tailored to the
specificities of nanotechnology are introduced, the Commission feels that the precautionary
principle must underpin all actions taken to protect worker health and safety. Worker protection
is the responsibility of
• Employers, who must identify, control, and eliminate dangers; outfit their facilities with safe
equipment, tools, and working methods; and ensure that workers follow the safety measures in
place
• Workers, who must take the necessary measures to protect their health, their safety, and that of
their coworkers, and help identify and eliminate risks in the workplace
• The government, and more specifically, Commission de la santé et de la sécurité au travail
(CSST), which must make sure existing norms and regulations are upheld. 210
Actions to take
The risk of unexpected and undesirable consequences depends on the degree of toxicity of the
nanotechnology and the level of exposure to nanoparticles, which shows the importance of setting
special health and work safety standards. In the United States, the President’s Council of Advisors on
Science and Technology feels that researchers must be aware of the potential hazards when working
205 THE ROYAL SOCIETY & THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING (United Kingdom), op. cit., p. 42.
206 INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE ROBERT-SAUVÉ EN SANTÉ ET EN SÉCURITÉ DU TRAVAIL – IRSST, Nanoparticles.
Actual Knowledge… op. cit., p. iii.
207 Ibid.
208 Christopher J. PRESTON, op. cit.
209 J. Clarence DAVIES, op. cit., p. 17.
210 For more information on the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers, consult the CSST website,
particularly the section on prevention [online] http://www.csst.qc.ca/portail/en/prevention/prevention.htm
50 Ethics and Nanotechnology:
A Basis for Action