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Public and Experts Perception about Nanotechnology Hazards in Korea  

Lee, Jeong-Jin (School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University)
Kim, Young-Hun (Department of Chemical Engineering, Kwangwon University)
Bae, Eun-Joo (School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University)
Lee, Su-Seung (School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University)
Kwak, Byoung-Kyu (School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University)
Choi, Kyung-Hee (Chemicals Assessment Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Environmental Research Complex)
Yi, Jong-Heop (School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University)
Publication Information
Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology / v.23, no.4, 2008 , pp. 247-256 More about this Journal
Abstract
Public perceptions of nanotechnology and its potential risk can be an important measure for the sustainable advances of the technology. We conducted a survey for public (N =599) and experts (N = 165). They answered the same questions and results were analyzed. 74% of the public have not heard about the potential risk of nanotechnology and 77% expected that nanotechnology/materials are not harmful to the human and nature. 74% of experts realized the potential hazards by nanomaterials. The results represented that large perception gab between public and experts has existed in Korea. Interestingly, Korean public thought that nanotechnology is more profitable and less risky than that of American. We suggest that 'now is the best time to give appropriate information on the potential risk of nanotechnology to Korean public without preconception or exaggeration.'
Keywords
nanomaterials; public perception; risk assessment; nanohazards; consumer products; survey;
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