Social and Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology Development in Asia Pacific

This informational brochure examines the development of nanotechnology in the Asia-Pacific region, noting that while countries like China, Japan, and South Korea have invested heavily in the sector, there is a critical lack of funding for evaluating health and environmental risks. Consequently, nanoproducts are entering the market unregulated and unlabeled, despite the technology's promotion as a solution for regional challenges such as energy diversification and disease treatment.

• Nanotechnology is promoted in the Asia-Pacific region as a solution for chronic challenges, including the diversification of energy sources, food conservation, making water drinkable, and treating malaria and tuberculosis. However, there is a low level of awareness and capacity within government and civil society to address the technology's potential risks and social implications.
• Several Asia-Pacific countries, including Thailand, China, India, Korea, Japan, and Australia, are engaged in nanotechnology research and commercialization. Some have declared it a strategic sector, utilizing public funds for research networks and centres. Investment levels vary, but Japan, China, and South Korea have invested heavily, with China's spending reaching USD$ 1.3 billion in 2011.
• Despite documented health and environmental risks and remaining scientific uncertainties, public funding for risk evaluation is extremely low. This has resulted in non-precautionary policies where nanoproducts enter the market without regulation or labeling, failing to guarantee product safety or provide consumer information.

APA

Azoulay, Foladori, & Senjin (2014). Social and Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology Development in Asia Pacific. Center for International Environmental Law. https://ciel.org/reports/social-and-environmental-implications-of-nanotechnology-development-in-asia-pacific-azoulay-foladori-and-senjin-march-2014-2/

Chicago

Azoulay, Foladori, and Senjin. Social and Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology Development in Asia Pacific. Center for International Environmental Law, 2014. https://ciel.org/reports/social-and-environmental-implications-of-nanotechnology-development-in-asia-pacific-azoulay-foladori-and-senjin-march-2014-2/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Azoulay |last2=Foladori |last3=Senjin |title=Social and Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology Development in Asia Pacific |publisher=Center for International Environmental Law |date=1 March 2014 |url=https://ciel.org/reports/social-and-environmental-implications-of-nanotechnology-development-in-asia-pacific-azoulay-foladori-and-senjin-march-2014-2/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{azoulay2014social, author = {Azoulay and Foladori and Senjin}, title = {{Social and Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology Development in Asia Pacific}}, institution = {Center for International Environmental Law}, year = {2014}, month = mar, url = {https://ciel.org/reports/social-and-environmental-implications-of-nanotechnology-development-in-asia-pacific-azoulay-foladori-and-senjin-march-2014-2/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }