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Nanoregulation—Filtering Out the Small Stuff

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Abstract

Whilst there are not yet laws specifically relating to nanotechnology and its products in any country, the technology and its products are not unregulated. Regulatory frameworks created for conventional technologies and products will be expected to apply to nanotechnology and its products. For example, new medicines are regulated in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. If a new medicine incorporates nanotechnology, then it should still be regulated as a medicine. However, whether the expectation that pre-existing regulatory frameworks will apply is correct and, if so, whether the application of such frameworks is adequate are important issues to be answered. This paper considers these questions, drawing on lessons learnt from significant regulatory reviews undertaken in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia.

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Notes

  1. Asbestos Industry Regulations 1931 SR 40 1931/ 1140 (Rev VII, p 181: 1931 p 410) (UK).

  2. Those persons needed to work in a narrow field of occupations listed in the Preamble to the Regulations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Monash Centre for Regulatory Studies, Faculty of Law, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia

    Karinne Ludlow

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  1. Karinne Ludlow
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Correspondence to Karinne Ludlow.

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Ludlow, K. Nanoregulation—Filtering Out the Small Stuff. Nanoethics 2, 183–191 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11569-008-0037-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11569-008-0037-8

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