October 22, 2007 — The Wilson Center’s Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN), in collaboration with Consumers Union, publishers of Consumer Reports magazine and Consumer Reports Online, has annnounced a major effort to reach out to the American public and engage them in an important online conversation about the possible risks and benefits of nanotechnology and consumer products.

The online event, ConsumersTalkNano, will take place over two days, October 23-24. Any interested member of the public will be able to communicate online with panelists from the Project, Consumers Union, the International Council on Nanotechnology, Oregon State University, the Meridian Institute and others from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Additional details about nanotechnology, nano-enabled consumer products, and related safety questions are available on the PEN site; Consumer Reports’ July 2007 article called Nanotechnology: Untold promise, unknown risk, questioned the safety of nanotechnology-based products.

“Nanotechnology is not a sci-fi fantasy,” said Carolyn Cairns of Consumers Union. “Many consumers are not aware that nanoscale materials are in some sunscreens, house paints, clothing, and computers being sold in stores around the country.”

Individuals participating in ConsumersTalkNano will have an opportunity to discuss with legal, scientific, and consumer product panelists nanotechnology’s potential impact on products, and ideas and concerns relating to health and safety, labeling, and government and industry standards.

“Public confidence in this new technology depends on responsible development that includes full assessment and communication of potential risks as well as benefits,” said David Rejeski, director of the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies.

Small Times commented on the ConsumersTalkNano forum in last week’s Small Times Direct enewsletter, urging the industry to get involved.