Publication
Dr. Antje Grobe; Christian Schneider; Viola Schetula; Mersad Rekic; Sandra Nawrath
Nanotechnologien: Was Verbraucher Wissen Wollen. Verbraucherstudie zu nanotechnologien im Auftrag des Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverbandes e.V.
Type of publication: Report
Abstract: The German Consumer organisation Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverbandes has published an investigation of consumer needs of information on nanotechnology, based on in-depth interviews with 100 consumers, who had already heard something about nanotechnology before the study. The study was published in November 2008.
Summary: The main findings are that the respondents were more aware of nanotechnology applications than expected. Consumers think and talk about nanotechnology in examples. Most consumers have positive expectations of nanotechnology (64%), and only a small minority has negative expectations (5%). 31% is ambivalent because of their evaluation of different application domains. Negative evaluations are mainly related to food and military applications. Over 70% is pro-innovation in general. However, support for nanotechnology is subject to proper risk management and transparent, understandable information. 87% is worried about health risks and 29% about environmental risks. Science, Industry, Government, Consumers and Environmental Organisations are expected to supply information. Multiple sources of information should be available, through TV, printed media, internet, labelling, information on the packaging, and commercials. Consumers would like to try out products with nanotechnology, out of curiosity.
More information: http://www.vzbv.de/start/index.php? [..]
Last changed: 22 October 2009
