While the relevance of nano-products for consumers grows, the level of knowledge among the general public of its applications and potential impacts is still relatively low. Yet the public rates the opportunities of this technology currently higher than the potential risks. These estimates, however, are not very stable and may change significantly with growing experience with nano-products and increasing information about nanotechnology.  Against this background, the project aims to enhance the competence of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in the field of nanotechnologies and related risk analysis and risk communication at national and international level. Recent changes in public perception in Germany and elsewhere shall be analyzed and factors that influence this perception shall be identified. To achieve this, a comparative analysis of international studies will be carried out as well as a representative survey among the German population – the latter building on a national poll of 2007. The empirical results will feed into the development of a concept for targeted risk communication on nano-products.

Topic: Innovation and Technology, Products and Consumption

Research field: Ecological Consumption