Towards a European Strategy for Nanotechnology

The enthusiasm of many industries towards the
manifold opportunities associated with
nanotechnology is reflected in the rapid increase in
research funding.
However, studies indicate that nanoparticles may
cause adverse effects to human beings and the
environment. Nanoparticles display completely new
properties than their larger counterparts. Their
size makes them highly mobile in both the human body
and the environment. Is the current legal and
administrative framework provided by the EU
sufficient to cover the potential adverse effects?
What are the weaknesses of the existing regulation?
The author Sandra Grossalber provides the reader
with information on nanomaterials and their
applications in the industry and gives an overview
of the EU s efforts in implementing a coherent
strategy. Based on the discussion of possible
adverse health, environmental and safety impacts she
examines the administrative and legal framework and
gives recommendations for adaptation.
Providing an easily readable compilation of
information, the author intends to contribute to the
enhancement of public interest and comprehension of
regulation activities.

Autorentext

Sandra Grossalber, Mag. (FH): studied Export-Oriented Management
EU-ASEAN-NAFTA at the International Management Centre (IMC) in
Krems, Austria, with specialisation in Foreign Trade and
International Law.

Klappentext

The enthusiasm of many industries towards the
manifold opportunities associated with
nanotechnology is reflected in the rapid increase in
research funding.
However, studies indicate that nanoparticles may
cause adverse effects to human beings and the
environment. Nanoparticles display completely new
properties than their larger counterparts. Their
size makes them highly mobile in both the human body
and the environment. Is the current legal and
administrative framework provided by the EU
sufficient to cover the potential adverse effects?
What are the weaknesses of the existing regulation?
The author Sandra Grossalber provides the reader
with information on nanomaterials and their
applications in the industry and gives an overview
of the EU's efforts in implementing a coherent
strategy. Based on the discussion of possible
adverse health, environmental and safety impacts she
examines the administrative and legal framework and
gives recommendations for adaptation.
Providing an easily readable compilation of
information, the author intends to contribute to the
enhancement of public interest and comprehension of
regulation activities.