Why the Difference Between Risk and Hazard Matters for Nanotechnology

Scientific progress is a balancing act: Weigh the empirical evidence and determine the appropriate balance between allowing new technologies and protecting public health. Periodically however, development is obstructed by fear diminishing physical data. In this article, Mark Mansour discusses the idea that nanotechnology is poised to turn a bad trend of regulators, preferring to use “precautionary principles” to regulate based on means of production rather on the safety of the product, on its head and show the world that regulation based on empirical data, rather than on fear, provides the best hope for a safe future. 

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