NanoCap project

Working and Living with Nanotechnologies; Trade Union and NGO positions. Proceedings Conference NanoCap / STOA-EP

Type of publication: Report

Abstract: The capacity building project NanoCap (2006-2009) organised a structured discussion between European Trade Unions, NGO’s and academic experts on environmental and occupational health and safety risks of nanotechnologies. This paper summarizes the results of the final conference of the NanoCap project, organised with STOA/European Parliament, to present the positions and perspectives on nanotechnologies at the workplace and in the environment adopted by these civil society organisations. It reflects the dialogue that took place in two panel discussions between trade unions, environmental NGOs, consumer organisations, employers associations, industry, European parliamentarians, the European Commission and a broad audience.

Summary: The TUs and NGOs presented their respective collective European position statements. Their stance is quite positive towards the development of nanotechnologies, but characterised by an emphasis on a precautionary risk approach. Key issues are: transparency of the composition of „nanoproducts”, the need to get related risk information to be provided by the industry throughout the production chain, and responsible risk management. Initiatives like the Code of Conduct may be a helpful guide towards the responsible development of nanotechnologies. However, according to the opinion of the TUs and NGOs this type of voluntary code cannot replace binding legislation. The European Commission supports the precautionary approach and emphasizes the role of the industry in providing data and related communication on substances, as well on nanoparticles. Employers’ organisations and industry state that current legislation is sufficient to deal with nanomaterials, although it might need some modification. The European Parliamentarians, TUs and NGOs state that a good legal framework is needed to manage the possible risks associated with nanotechnology. Adaptations of existing legislation are necessary. The rapid nanotechnological developments, and the many products that are on the market, or about to reach it, legitimise the quick acceptance of precautionary measures, preferably stimulated by binding legislation. Labelling of nanoproducts and a public inventory of all products containing nanoparticles are important steps, but other steps are required such as the development of occupational exposure limits for nanoparticles. Notification of products containing nanoparticles and an obligation for employers to register workers working with these products with a possible exposure are important issues. Industry will have to play an important role in this respect. It is stated that we already know a lot about the hazardous properties of different nanoparticles, about the nanoparticles itself and from the substances of which these nanoparticles are derived. Although we know very little about the actual exposures both in the workplace and in the product chain, we know enough to derive precautionary exposure limits: to regulate in analogy. References are being made to REACH to provide the framework for nano-legislation, but adaptations are needed. Loopholes in REACH will have to be closed in the next two years. Nano - research and development should be driven by real societal needs and based on ecological, social and sustainable development considerations and not only on the ‘marketability’ of products. ‘Non-sense’ products, that is products without a real societal need and possibly polluting the environment or products with unverified claims should not be allowed on the market. The message envisaged from the actual developments of nanotechnologies is that product development is not going to wait for scientific evidence of safety or harm (which may never become available). A good legal, preferably binding legal framework is needed to manage the possible risks associated with nanotechnology.

More information: http://www.nanocap.eu

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