KATS held Held to Secure Nanotechnology Safety

Nano” is gaining popularity recently as a technology that is widely used in health and well-being products, sports equipment, electronic appliances, etc. In the future, nanotechnology (NT) is expected to help resolve energy issues and environmental problems. Accordingly, its market is growing rapidly and respective countries around the world are taking active steps to support the development of nano-products.

At the same time, however, nano material hazards to the human body and environment are being debated in line with the distribution of NT products in the market. It is therefore required to develop a safety management system and assessment technology from a preventive perspective.

On May 15, on the grounds of this work, KATS held a workshop to exchange state-of-the-art nano-related information among participants. With domestic NT-related experts participating, the workshop proceeded with a presentation on NT safety assessment technology, research results of nanocosmetics’ safety regarding the human body, related standards development activities, and trends of activities of international organizations.

By discussing the results of research on exposure assessment for nanoparticles, including Carbon Nanotube (CNT) in particular, those engaged in nano industries and researchers had an opportunity to pursue safety related to the hazardous factors of nanoparticles.

To secure the safety of NT products, KATS proposed a new work item (NWI) for ‘Nanotechnologies - Monitoring silver nanoparticles in inhalation exposure chambers for inhalation toxicity testing’ to ISO/TC 229 (Nanotechnology) in 2007. Moreover, KATS is also making diverse efforts, such as development of NT safety technology and management systems, in collaboration with related ministries including the Ministry of Environment, etc