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WASHINGTON, DCToday, the Wilson Centers Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, in collaboration with Consumers Unionpublishers of Consumer Reports magazine and Consumer Reports Online announces a major effort to reach out to the American public and engage them in an important online conversation about the possible risks and benefits of nanotechnology and consumer products.
This exciting online event, ConsumersTalkNano, will take place over two days, October 23-24, 2007. Any interested member of the public will be able to communicate online with panelists from the Project, Consumers Union, and others. Details about the public dialogue, nanotechnology, nano-enabled consumer products, and related safety questions are available at www.nanotechproject.org. To register to participate in ConsumersTalkNano and to see the agenda, go to: www.webdialogues.net/pen/consumer.
Nanotechnology is not a sci-fi fantasy, according to Carolyn Cairns from Consumers Union. Many consumers are not aware that nanoscale materials are in some sunscreens, house paints, clothing, and computers being sold in stores around the country. This online dialogue aims to increase peoples understanding of a technology that on the one hand promises amazing advances in medicine, alternative energy, and other sectors, but on the other hand, raises the possibility of new health and environmental hazards. Individuals participating in ConsumersTalkNano will have an opportunity to discuss with legal, scientific and consumer product panelists nanotechnologys potential impact on products, and ideas and concerns relating to health and safety, labeling, and government and industry standards.
Our polling and focus groups show that Americans know little or nothing about nanotechnology but want to know more. Consumer productslike the Apple iPhone and LOreal RevitalLift face creamoften are
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| Contact: Sharon McCarter sharon.mccarter@wilsoncenter.org 202-691-4016 Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies Source:Eurekalert |