„Nano 2.0“ – Risk management for emerging materials

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials are being increasingly used in industrial and consumer products. Due to their small size, nanomaterials exhibit different characteristics as if they were present in bulk form. Products containing nanomaterials, i.e. new or emerging materials, these characteristics are used in targeted fashion and even though risk research has focused on potential risks of nanomaterials for humans and the environment for more than 15 years, there are still no clear answers. Materials such as graphene or CNTs offer large economic potential but are also suspected to bear risks for humans and the environment when present in certain forms or via certain exposure pathways. The article examines the risks for human and occupational health as well as for the environment.

Similar to risk research, the regulatory landscape concerning nanomaterials is still in flux. While there are many regulations on nanomaterials, most are not specific to them and their special characteristics. Furthermore, there exist fundamental differences between international rules on nanomaterials (e.g. between the European Union and United States of America). In light of the increasing spread and use of nanomaterials, the large number of possibly affected people and the increasingly litigious behavior, products with nanomaterials can easily and readily become a real insurance liability for producers and insurances.

The sustainable use of nanomaterials and nanoproducts is certainly desirable and can be facilitated by a comprehensive risk analysis. For this, the article finally captures three important points for businesses:

• Proactive identification of hidden risks for new materials
• Promotion of risk expertise and risk management systems
• Performance of proactive monitoring (risk-radar)

360° Monitoring-Tool for Emerging Risks

Emerging Risks are new or rapidly changing risks with a high uncertainty concerning its implications, occurrence and extent of damage. This includes risks from the technology sector, such as cyber- or nano-risks, as well as risks to health or the environment. The 360° Monitoring-Tool was developed in cooperation with insurances and enterprises. It is based on the analysis and evaluation of current, scientific and regulatory data. Risks are analyzed and evaluated in regards to several single criteria including regulatory risks, customer risks, agent risk, as well as cumulative risk potentials. The risks are categorized into classes and visualized as a profile.

For more on the 360° Monitoring-Tool, please visit:
http://innovationsgesellschaft.ch/kompetenzen/risikomanagement/risikomanagement/
or contact: christoph.meili@innovationsgesellschaft.ch