Global Perspectives on the Oversight of Nanotechnologies

This chapter discusses the global perspective on the oversight of nanotechnologies. The nascent field of nanotechnologies has evolved to the stage where an increasingly large volume of engineered nanoparticles, including, for example, nanotubes, metal oxides, quantum dots, and fullerenes, have being manufactured and incorporated into a broad array of products. The nascent field of nanotechnologies has evolved to the stage where an increasingly large volume of engineered nanoparticles, including, for example, nanotubes, metal oxides, quantum dots, and fullerenes, have being manufactured and incorporated into a broad array of products. The often cited Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN) Consumer Product Inventory lists over 800 selfidentified, commercially available, nanotechnology-based products (nanoproducts), with products ranging from electronic equipment, personal care products, foods and food contact materials, and sporting equipment.