A new study from North Carolina State University, United States, found that the general public thinks getting a suntan poses a greater public health risk than nanotechnology or other nanoparticle applications. The study compared survey respondents’ perceived risk of nanoparticles with 23 other public-health risks. According to Dr. Andrew Binder, an assistant professor of communication and co-author of the study, “For example, 19 of the other public-health risks were perceived as more hazardous, including suntanning and drinking alcohol. The only things viewed as less risky were cell-phone use, blood transfusions, commercial air travel and medical X-rays.” Sixty percent of respondents felt that nanoparticles posed either no health risk or only a slight health risk. These findings could have significant policy implications since both proponents and opponents of nanotechnology have expressed concerns that the public is wary of the environmental health and safety dangers of this emerging technology. Dr. David Berube, the lead author of the study and a professor of communication, said, “The findings suggest just the opposite. While it remains unclear whether nanoparticles are safe, they are not a major concern among the general public.” The article can be viewed online at the link below.
http://news.ncsu.edu/releases/wms-berube-binder-nanorisk/