Assessing Nanotechnology Risk—No Small Matter

Howrey partner Amy Fink (SF), authored the article “Assessing Nanotechnology Risk—No Small Matter.” The article discusses the difficulties of assessing the risk of nanotechnology because of how small the technology actually is. “Simply put, nanotechnology is the science and business of manufacturing on a very small scale. Nanotechnology encompasses a conglomeration of scientific disciplines including chemical, physical, biological, engineering and electronic processes, applications and concepts.”

“Businesses using nanotechnology, and in particular, those involved in the manufacture, use or disposal of nanoparticles, should conduct careful risk analysis in order to address potential areas of loss, and in particular, long tail liabilities, and take precautions to ensure that appropriate loss-shifting risk management mechanisms are in place.”

“Addressing these issues early could help entities avoid big problems arising out of nanotechnology.”