The presentation will focus on identifying means to better understand and to address each of these associated risks.
The debate over the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risks of nanotechnology is currently centered on engineered nanoparticles, like quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, and nanoscale zinc oxide. To date, actual data about nanoparticle toxicity is thin, but is sufficient to cause concern. Thus, a major challenge for firms and organizations involved in nanotechnology development is that they must plan for risks without knowing precisely what they are. Nanotechnology’s commercial outcomes can be affected by two distinct classes of EHS risk, both equally important and utterly distinct: Real risks that nanoparticles may be hazardous, and perceptual risks that they pose a threat regardless of whether or not it is real. Action is required on both fronts. The presentation will focus on identifying means to better understand and to address each of these associated risks.
Areas Covered in the seminar:
This webinar will provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of nanoparticle risk assessment and also will provide recommendations for companies and organizations involved with or considering use of nanomaterials in their products.
- What is nanotechnology?
- What is known about the risk of nanoparticles and nanomaterials?
- Real risk and perceived risks.
- Assessment of nanomaterial risks.
Who Will Benefit:
- Risk managers
- EH&S professionals
- Venture capital professionals considering nanotechnology investment
- Insurance professionals
- Consultants
- Safety engineers
Instructor Profile:
Lawrence Gibbs, is Associate Vice-Provost for Environmental Health and Safety at Stanford University where he is responsible for all health, safety, and environmental risk management programs in addition to oversight of institutional emergency planning and risk communication.
Mr. Gibbs is a certified industrial hygienist with over 25 years of experience in developing, implementing and managing safety, health and environmental programs for academic, research and clinical institutions. In addition to his work at the universities, he serves as a consultant for industrial, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and government organizations.
He has authored over 25 publications on health, safety and environmental management, and co-authored two books. Larry is active in a number of professional organizations. He is currently Vice Chair-Elect of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Environmental Managers (NAEM), and has chaired three technical committees with the AIHA.
