Risk Perceptions Starting to Shift? U.S. Citizens Are Forming Opinions about Nanotechnology

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2010

Publication Title

Journal of Nanoparticle Research

Publisher

Springer

Volume

12

Issue

1

Abstract

This article presents early results from an opinion formation study based on a 76-member panel of U.S. citizens, with comparison data from a group of 177 nanotechnology experts. While initially similar to the expert group in terms of their perceptions of the risks, benefits, and need for regulation characterizing several forms of nanotechnology, the first follow-up survey indicates that the panel is beginning to diverge from the experts, particularly with respect to perceptions of the levels of various “societal” risks that nanotechnology might present. The data suggest that responding to public concerns may involve more than attention to physical risks in areas such as health and environment; concerns about other forms of risk actually appear more salient.

Keywords

Benefit perception; Nanoengineering; Nanoscience; Nanotechnology -- Laws and legislation; Nanotechnology – Public opinion; Need for regulation; Opinion formation; Panel study; Policy sciences; Risk management; Risk perception; Societal implications

Disciplines

Health Policy | Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation | Policy History, Theory, and Methods | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Science and Technology Policy

Language

English

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