Regulatory agencies were thought to be trying to do their job to ensure public safety, but limited by outside pressure from providing appropriate levels of protection The majority of study participants felt that voluntary safety standards applied to industry would not be sufficient to manage the potential risks associated with nanotechnology 55 said government control beyond voluntary standards is necessary, while 33 were unsure. Only 11 felt voluntary standards would be adequate After they had learned about nanotechnology, participants were asked Should nanotechnology be banned until further study of possible risks? 76 of the respondents said a ban is overreacting.

Regulatory agencies were thought to be trying to do their job to ensure public safety, but limited by outside pressure from providing appropriate levels of protection The majority of study participants felt that voluntary safety standards applied to industry would not be sufficient to manage the potential risks associated with nanotechnology 55 said government control beyond voluntary standards is necessary, while 33 were unsure. Why?.

Regulatory agencies were thought to be trying to do their job to ensure public safety, but limited by outside pressure from providing appropriate levels of protection The majority of study participants felt that voluntary safety standards applied to industry would not be sufficient to manage the potential risks associated with nanotechnology 55 said government control beyond voluntary standards is necessary, while 33 were unsure. This was true of environmental effects as well. One respondent keyed in on this as concern You arent talking about the long terms effects and what is known.

In the discussion part of the study, concerns about FDA regulations were raised in all groups Examples of past regulatory, environmental, and human health errors, given to support concerns in several categories, included Vioxx, Viagra, Phen Fen dietary pills, DDT, asbestos, nuclear power, lead in gasoline, jet fuel contaminating military bases, and geneticallyengineered foods The moderator observed that Participants were disturbed that so little information about longterm health effects of nanotechnological products, particularly consumables, is available even though products are coming out on the market. Why?.