Nanotechnologies
Latest news
- 2 June 2009: Government response to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution report - Novel Materials in the Environment: The case of nanotechnology
- 29 May 2009: Summary note of the 18th meeting of the Nanotechnology Research Co-ordination Group
- 19 May 2009: Environmental Nanoscience Initiative brochure to supplement work of Phase 2
- 14 April 2009: EMERGNANO report to review the worldwide progress towards the environment, health and safety research objectives
- 6 April 2009: Summary note of the 12th meeting of the Nanotechnologies Stakeholder Forum and associated presentations
Defra and nanotechnologies
Defra is working to promote the responsible development, use and fate of nano-scale materials. Our primary roles in this respect are to manage any potential risks to the environment and to maximise the environmental benefits of nanotechnologies.
Introduction to nanotechnologies
Nanoscience studies how the arrangement of atoms and molecules (the basic units of everything) affects the properties of materials. Nanotechnology is the application of nanoscience with the aim of designing and producing new or enhanced materials or products. Nanotechnologies have the potential to bring significant benefits to consumers, society, the environment and the economy through a range of applications. Examples include in health care, electronics and IT, food, environment, sport and clothing. Further information can be found at:
Contact
For more information: nano.technology@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Page last
modified: 2 June 2009
Page published: 21
October 2005