The responsible use of nanomaterials:

The position of the German Social Accident Insurance

28.06.2010

The German statutory accident insurance institutions have offered businesses, educational establishments and insured individuals a partnership for the safe use of nanomaterials. This is the tenet of the position paper drawn up by the institutions on the subject of the responsible use of nanomaterials, which has been adopted by the members' meeting of their umbrella association, the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV).

Nanomaterials and products containing them have been the subject of intensive research for some time. Compared to conventional products, they may possess new and unique properties. Owing to the wide scope for their use, they are being found in more and more areas of life, including the world of work. Their growing distribution has given rise to discussion of the risks and hazards of nanotechnology for human health, for example at workplaces involving the production of nanomaterials and nanoproducts, their further processing, and their application.

"Innovation in nanomaterials promises considerable potential for the more efficient use of resources and thus for the growth and competitiveness of German industry," says Dr. Walter Eichendorf, Deputy Director General of the DGUV. "At the same time, however, it must be ensured that these substances do not impact negatively upon the environment and human health. This is dictated by the precautionary principle."

In their position paper, the statutory accident insurance institutions therefore welcome initiatives such as the Nano Dialogue of the German government, and support the recommendations of the NanoCommission regarding the responsible and sustainable use of nanomaterials. "In this situation, we are offering to act as a partner to industry in the area of occupational safety and health," says Eichendorf. "The statutory accident insurance institutions possess comprehensive knowledge and experience in issues concerning workplace safety and health and in prevention-related research. This can be of great benefit in coping with the challenges presented by nanotechnology."

The German statutory accident insurance institutions are active in the following areas:

• Safety-related research in the area of nanotechnology (measurement and test procedures, risk assessment and protective measures)
• Initial and further training in safety issues associated with the use of nanomaterials
• Provision of advice to businesses, and the identification and dissipation of good-practice examples
• Observation of and involvement in the development of formal and informal standards governing nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, at national and international level

Owing to the rapid pace of progress in the area of nanotechnology, the German Social Accident Insurance will review and adjust its prevention activities regularly.