Small size - large impact - Nanowerk

performance, reduced number of side effects or lower costs
are the driving forces for a successful roll-out. Nonetheless,
for all developments in nanotechnology, safety must be
considered right from the start.
Starting with initial experiments under restricted laboratory
conditions, the safety of co-workers has highest priority.
Laboratory practices in chemistry are well developed
and the use of personal safety equipment must be
made mandatory.
product’s safety. Case by case, the safety chain along the
whole product lifecycle has to be examined and ensured.
In this respect, chemical nanotechnology is nothing new;
on the contrary, it is more a problem of methods and
tools in toxicology. Ongoing research and development
in this area promise to fill this knowledge gap.
There is also a requirement for a continuous and
independent safety assessment along the development
chain. Toxicology and ecotoxicology experts must be
involved in the activities from the start. Basing their
approach upon a first chemical and physical analysis,
these experts evaluate the possible risks connected to
the materials and technologies.
These assessments are fundamental criteria for the further
elaboration and structuring of development. Even at this
very early point, such a statement might lead to a “no-go”
– if severe and/or chronic toxic effects are reported in
literature, say. Toxicological studies are conducted and all
processes, designed, such that co-workers are not exposed
to the materials under development. Irrespective of
whether or not the underlying materials are nanoscaled,
the company marketing a new product is liable for that
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