TOKYO, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- The Japanese government will evaluate the safety of materials produced with nanotechnology, Yomiuri Shimbun reported Monday.
Under the plan, the effect of nanotech materials on human health and the environment will be examined to establish safety standards and new legislation dealing with the new materials.
This will be the first time that the government examines the effects of a new technology before it goes into practical use, in light of lessons learned from past controversies over new technologies, such as gene recombination technology.
Japan is one of the leaders in nanotechnology, as some firms have started using it in making paints and cosmetics.
The examination will be conducted on high-tech materials made of nanoparticles such as the carbon nanotubes developed by Japanese researchers, and fullerene, carbon molecules shaped like geodesic spheres.
