Regulating Nanoparticles: the Problem of Uncertainty

Authors

  • Roger Strand University of Bergen
  • Kamilla Lein Kjølberg University of Bergen

Abstract

This article describes unresolved challenges of regulation of nanoparticles, mainly from a European perspective. The authors shall argue that the presently dominant strategy, which in this article will be called “filling in the regulatory gaps”, is unsatisfactory with respect to the management of uncertainty and ignorance associated with development and use of nanoparticles. Its shortcomings resemble those of “the modern model” and “the precautionary model” described by Funtowicz (2006) and Funtowicz and Strand (2007). Possible future alternative strategies to enable a truly precautionary approach are discussed.

Author Biographies

Roger Strand, University of Bergen

Professor and former Director, Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities (Senter for vitenskapsteori)

Kamilla Lein Kjølberg, University of Bergen

Researcher, Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities (Senter for vitenskapsteori)

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Published

24.10.2011

Issue

Section

Refereed Articles