Ss14-04 Ethical and Scientific Issues of Emerging Technology: Lessons From Nanotechnology

Introduction Workers are generally the first people in society to be exposed to the hazards of a new technology because they are involved in research, manufacturing, production, and disposal of technological products. There is a growing consensus that there should be responsible development of a new technology. This was achieved to some extent with nanotechnology. Workers generally were protected from hazardous exposures to engineered nanomaterials. The approach used to protect workers may serve as a model for other technologies. This presentation examines the lessons from nanotechnology risk assessment and management and their application to other emerging technologies. Materials and Methods The history of commercial nanotechnology and the potential health and safety hazards was reviewed and efforts for responsible development were evaluated. Previously published work on engineered nanomaterials was adapted and used to frame the concept of responsible development which could be used with emerging technologies. Results A generalizable framework to protect workers from the hazards of emerging technologies was derived from the widely recognized responsible development of global efforts to protect workers from the hazards of nanotechnology. The framework includes five criterion actions that involve hazard and exposure assessment, communication with workers, management of risks, and fostering safe development and realization of societal and commercial benefits. Underpinning these actions is the need for strategic and ethical foresight analyses. Conclusions The foundation for responsible development of new technologies with regard to worker protection can be identified in lessons from commercial nanotechnology.