KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to establish a National Nano-safety and Ethics Policy due to the emergence of nanotechnology and its increased use by industries in the country.
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said that there is an urgent need for risk governance in the interest of safety and health as there are groups that may be exposed to nanoparticles with the substance used in consumer products such as cosmetics and semi-conductors.
He said a proper risk governance system on nanotechnology needs to be introduced and implemented to ensure sustainable development of this useful and high potential technology.
"In the coming years, the Asia-Pacific region will play a key role in the industrial production of nano-related products.
"Those who may be at risk are the industrial workers, and consumers of the finished products.
"As such adequate guidelines for handling nanoparticles and nano-related products are essential," he said in a statement today.
He said it is vital for more research to be done by all the stakeholders and steps must be taken to disseminate more information to the public on risk and safety of nano-materials and nanotechnology.
Researched information on safety and toxicity is needed and must be shared with the public, he said.
He said Malaysia should work towards nanotechnology health and safety for various reasons.
This includes ensuring nanotechnology is covered appropriately in work health and safety regulatory framework, improve understanding of the hazardous properties of nano-materials among workers and management, and access the effectiveness of workplace controls in preventing exposure to the harmful effects of nano-materials.
The health and safety aspect of the research can also be useful in developing procedures for measuring the emissions and exposure of nano-materials in workplaces, and provide information and guidance for nanotechnology organisations in all aspects about the many risks and hazards associated with the technology.
"It is estimated that there are millions of workers employed in nanotechnology industries worldwide and their risk exposure must be addressed so that their health and safety are protected," he added.