Technology Assessment Beyond Toxicology – The Case of Nanomaterials

Abstract

The chapter of Fleischer, Jahnel and Seitz points out that the current concept of toxicological risk assessment in the field of nanotechnology (in particular that referred to manufactured particulate nanomaterials (MPNs)), which is based on conventional expert-based chemical risk assessment procedure, is too narrow. We analyse various proposals, such as the recent ones made by the International Risk Governance Council based on the considerations of societal impacts and needs, which recommends the inclusion of concern assessment in the process (concerns of the general public and the stakeholders). After having discussed the methodological challenges of a broadening of the concept of risk assessment, they discuss the results from the Eurobarometer 2010 as well as from particular public engagement exercises and focus groups. In the paper the authors call for a wider concept, developing further the idea of concern assessment: this approach should allow for a plurality in perspective, actors and different kinds of knowledge adequately considering societal impacts for understanding risk in a broader sense than experts.