Nano Regulatory Policy and Non-Governmental Organizations: A Global View

Nanotechnology is emerging worldwide as a new tool with a range of applications in fields such as energy, medicine, cosmetics, and textiles. There is an estimated 1000 products that contain engineered nanomaterials currently on the consumer market, and the industry is expected to grow. With the commercial growth of this industry, many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been asking whether there is enough focus on the possible impacts of nanotechnology on environmental and human health. NGOs (for example, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth of Australia) are self-identified representatives of the public, and as such, are positioned to influence public policy and public perceptions – and possibly public acceptance – of nanotechnology, which could have implications for the growth, dynamics, and regulation of the industry. However, there is little known about these nano-focused groups. This research asks: Why has the emergence of nanotechnology become an issue for NGOs? This research categorizes and collects data on NGOs that have an interest in nanotechnology. Currently this research has yielded a database of 95 such organizations worldwide. Preliminary analysis is based on online research of these NGOs, including their published reports, journals, and articles. Preliminary results suggest that NGOs are looking to change regulatory policy or enact moratoriums on specific nanomaterials. Future research will examine the impacts of NGO advocacy efforts on nanotechnology industry standards and regulatory policies. Additionally, this project’s global perspective allows for international comparisons of NGOs and their various impacts on national and local governments’ industrial and regulatory policies.