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Thailand addresses nanotechnology concerns with nanosafety strategy

The National Health Assembly will discuss the Strategic plan for safety and ethical nanotechnology 2011-2016 on January 12, 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand. This is going to be early attempt to identify the country’s strategic concerns about possible impacts of nanotechnologies. The conference is expected to propose amendments to some existing laws and regulations such as Environmental Quality Promotion Act 1992, Hazardous Substance Act 1992, Labour Protection Act 1998, Consumer Protection Act 1998, etc.

This conference will mainly focus on 3 strategies under the National Strategy of Chemical Management 4 (2012-2016). The 1st strategy is Knowledge creation and management on safety and ethical nanotechnology. Indicators for success of this strategy are building a national nanotechnology database, building a mechanism at national level on knowledge management within 5 years. The 2nd strategy is Development and strengthening of governance mechanisms and measures. Indicators are building safety and ethical nanotechnology measurement, having a mechanism to strengthen related regulation, having an identified label system on nanoproducts, having facilities for analytical units, testing, R&D, laboratory, and database, having a surveillance and warning system on safety and ethical nanotechnology (including mechanism to recall nanoproducts). The 3rd strategy is Generating, strengthening and promoting public participation. Indicators are having a civil and consumer network, strengthening public accessibility and sharing information, civilians will be able to access and see through a trick of nanotechnology, providing knowledge and appropriate awareness on safety and ethical nanotechnology at regional learning centres, both formal and informal aspects.

The committees of this conference have reviewed literature of UNESCO, NanoForum and NSF. The Ministry of Public Health, a key stakeholder of this conference is a member of International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) and Intergovernmental Forum on Chemial Safety (IFCS).

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