Approaches to Societal Impacts of Nanotechnologies in Japan Junko Nakanishi Director of CRM, AIST CRM: Research Center for Chemical Risk Management AIST: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

Source: NEDO “Study on Regional Activities Related to Nanotechnology” (August, 2004) Materials 19% IT & Electronics Applications 17% Superfine Processing 27% Metrology 18% Environment & Energy Applications 6% Others 9% Biotech 4% The Numbers of Nanotech related Companies by Sector Total: 586 companies More than 60% of 586 companies invest less than $ 1 million, only 8% invest more than $ 10 million.

Public Image of Nanotechnology in Japan （ March 2005 ） A public opinion survey was conducted, where respondents were selected randomly from the Internet Consumer Panel, n= %0% 20 % 40 % 60 % 80 % 100 % very negative negati ve somewhat negative neutr al somewhat positive positiv e very positive A. Kishimoto (AIST-CRM)

Points of Concern 1. Toxic effects due to their nanoscale size alone 2. The greater the unknown aspect of a technology, the more the public tends to perceive the risk associated with the technology (Slovic et al.)

METI’s Study Report (March 2005) Extensive Discussions for three months 1 Main Committee and 2 WGs One WG specifically focused on Social Impact Issues Nanotechnology Policy Study Committee Chair : Dr. Teruo Kishi, NIMS Basic Policy WG Chair : Dr. Hiroshi Yokoyama, AIST Social Impact Analysis WG Chair: Dr. Junko Nakanishi, AIST NIMS: National Institute for Materials Science, Japan AIST: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

1.A forum should be established to share understandings among various interest groups on societal impacts 2.Adaptation and /or application of the existing procedures for assessing and regulating chemicals should be considered for the present, due to lack of scientific evidence of toxicity associated with nanoscale size alone. 3.Scientific research of toxicity should be deepend. Prior to toxicity tests, physical and chemical properties of the test materials should be confirmed (size, surface area, shape and impurities) 4. Screening level tests, mainly in vitro tests, should be undertaken, followed by more detailed tests as necessary. 5. Japan should actively participate and take a leadership role in the related international standardization activities. Key Conclusions on Societal Impacts Issues Thank you for your attention