The Elsi Handbook of Nanotechnology

This ground-breaking handbook uniquely addresses challenges of nanotechnology with respect to safety, risk and ethical, society and legal implications (ELSI) along with the commercialization aspects. This Handbook focuses on the recent advancements in Safety, Risk, Ethical Society and Legal Implications (ESLI) as well as its commercialization of nanotechnology, such as manufacturing. Nano is moving out of its relaxation phase of scientific route, and as new products go to market, organizations all over the world, as well as the general public, are discussing the environmental and health issues associated with nanotechnology. Nongovernmental science organizations have long since reacted; however, now the social sciences have begun to study the cultural portent of nanotechnology. Societal concerns and their newly constructed concepts, show nanoscience interconnected with the economy, ecology, health, and governance. This handbook addresses these new challenges and is divided into 7 sections: Nanomaterials and the Environment; Life Cycle Environmental Implications of Nanomanufacturing; Bioavailability and Toxicity of Manufactured Nanoparticles in Terrestrial Environments; Occupational Health Hazards of Nanoparticles; Ethical Issues in Nanotechnology; Commercialization of Nanotechnology; Legalization of Nanotechnology. Audience This handbook will be of significant interest to scientists and researchers working on nanoscience and nanotechnology, materials scientists, chemists, pharmacists, biologists and chemical engineers. In addition, it will provide essential information to consultants and regulators about nanotechnology applications and processes helpful in their evaluation and decision-making procedures. University graduate and post-graduate students taking advance level of nanoscience and technology courses will find this handbook easy to use and understandable.