Responsible development and processing of nanomaterials enabling
exploitation of their large potential in improved and new applications
Nanotechnologies deal with the production and manipulation of matter -
nanomaterials - in the range of 1 to100 nanometer (1 nanometer = 10-9 meter,
1/80.000 the width of a human hair).
Nanomaterials are applied in various existing applications. The increasing
ability to more precisely engineer nanomaterials, and so allowing greater
control over their properties, has led to increased research efforts for
improved and new applications.
DSM believes that nanotechnologies offer substantial potential benefits in
numerous fields. Nanotechnologies hold the promise of contributing
significantly to sustainability, based on enhanced properties with decreased
use of materials and energy, and reduced waste.
DSM acknowledges the societal concerns about nanomaterials’ safety, and that
there are potential human and environmental risks associated with the
development and use of nanotechnologies. Toxicology studies have, in specific
cases, demonstrated new modes of toxicity of nanomaterials and the potential
for internal translocation in living organisms that differ from properties of
the same substance in larger particles. While nanomaterials in final products
are generally bound in a matrix, thus eliminating the potential for consumer
and environmental exposure, our employees, our customers and the end users
might potentially be exposed during handling and processing or by release due
to wear-and-tear and upon disposal.
We believe that the risks can be managed through pragmatic control measures,
and in line with scientifically-based risk assessment and risk management
developments. In all DSM activities involving nanomaterials we aim for
elimination of human and environmental risks. Programs aimed at understanding
the risks and at designing effective new methods of safety evaluation and
exposure monitoring are monitored worldwide, so effective industrial hygiene
strategies can be further developed and applied.
DSM is committed to engage in open debate about the risks and benefits of
nanotechnologies.
