First Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory Available to Public
Friday, March 10 2006, 2:00 p.m – 3:00 p.m
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 5th Floor Conference Room
WASHINGTON – From laptop computers to sunscreens to stain-resistant clothing, nanotechnology is gaining ground in the consumer products marketplace. Until now, it has been difficult for the public to learn about the kinds of nano-based products available to the consumer or how this technology is immediately impacting the economy. The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, which is supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, is set to launch the only publicly available, online, and searchable inventory of nanotechnology-based consumer products.
This emerging science of manipulating matter at the nanoscale – 1/100,000 the width of a human hair – offers enormous potential to change and improve society in many ways, ranging from better medical treatments to more efficient energy production. The National Science Foundation estimates that by 2015 nanotechnology will have a $1 trillion impact on the global economy.
This inventory is intended to provide the public with a better understanding of how nanotechnology is being applied to a wide range of consumer products, the nanomaterials used, specific brands, and how many products are available for consumer use. Importantly, the number of consumer products in the inventory far exceeds previous estimates.
The event will showcase a sampling of nano products, from paint to cosmetics and high performance sporting goods. Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies experts will be available to discuss the inventory, to explain how it was compiled, and to demonstrate its use.
