Life Cycle Aspects of Nanoproducts, Nanostructured Materials, and Nanomanufacturing: Problem Definitions, Data Gaps, and Research Needs
Chicago, Illinois: November 5-6, 2009
Goals and Objectives
This workshop gathered together leading researchers on life cycle analysis as applied to nanotechnology. The goal was to establish the basis for a focused research program that comprehensively addressed the environmental impacts of nanotechnology using the life cycle approach. The specific objectives of the workshop were to:
- Review existing research, assess the state of science, and identify gaps in the knowledge base regarding the life cycle of nanotechnological products and processes,
- Develop a critical understanding of combinations of nanostructured materials, their manufacturing processes, and resultant products that offer the greatest promise for improvements for society, as well as those that offer little promise or have a high probability of creating or worsening environmental hazards.
- Develop a research plan to address the needs identified,
- Establish a pathway forward that could be pursued by an intergovernmental, or joint intergovernmental-private, initiative on the life cycle of nanotechnology, and
- Explore the basis of a life cycle regulatory framework for nanotechnological applications