This report is the outcome of a workshop organised by the health and consumer protection directorate-general of the European Commission in March 2004. It considers the threats to human and environmental health posed by nanotechnology and makes recommendations to minimise these risks.

Among its recommendations the report highlights the need for clear terminology, guidelines, public dialogue, a registry of nanoparticles, and control over their production and release. The panellists unanimously agree that knowing the toxicity of bulk material (effectively, organised conglomerates of nanoparticles) does not help predict the potential adverse effects of the corresponding nanoparticles. 

The report includes a commentary on the range of policy options available to regulate nanotechnology. There is also a selection of short contributions from the experts consulted. These offer concise introductions to some of the wider issues under discussion.

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