Europeans are unaware of nanotechnology

According to a new survey only 45 percent of EU citizens have heard of nanotechnology. But six out of ten respondents who expressed an opinion support the use of nanotechnology in consumer applications.

The latest Eurobarometer survey on life sciences and biotechnology is based on representative samples from 32 European countries.

Focusing on consumer products, it introduced nanotechnology as follows:
“‘Nanotechnology involves working with atoms and molecules to make new particles that are used in cosmetics to make better anti-aging creams, suntan oils for better protection against skin cancer and cleaning fluids to make the home more hygienic. Despite these benefits, some scientists are concerned about the unknown and possibly negative effects of nanoparticles in the body and in the environment.”

The result shows that only around 25 percent of Europeans have “engaged” with nanotechnology, i.e. talked about it or searched for information. More than half had not heard of it before the interview.

Respondents were also asked “should nanotechnology be encouraged?”. According to this survey, six out of ten EU citizens, who expressed an opinion, support nanotechnology. Support varies, between all the countries in the survey, from 83 percent in Iceland to 48 percent in Austria. In Sweden, the support is 67 percent and in Denmark 61.

For the opponents of nanotechnology, safety is the pressing concern followed by the perceived absence of benefits.

Other overall findings include a shift from the crisis of confidence in technology and regulation that characterised the 1990s to a greater focus on technologies themselves: are they safe? Are they useful?

Europeans are increasingly concerned about energy and sustainability. They are in favour of appropriate regulation to balance the market, and wish to be involved in decisions about new technologies when social values are at stake.

The survey was conducted in February 2010.

Europeans and biotechnology 2010 – Winds of change?