What is PD CEN/TS 16937 – Guidance for the development of nanotechnologies about?
PD CEN/TS 16937 is an international technical standard that focuses on guidelines for the development of nanotechnologies. PD CEN/TS 16937 provides guidance for the responsible development of nanotechnologies taking into account:
- Board Accountability
- Stakeholder Involvement
- Worker Health and Safety
- Benefits to and Risks for Public Health, Safety and the Environment
- Wider Social and Ethical Implications and Impacts
Note: PD CEN/TS 16937 contributes to social responsibility as defined in ISO 26000:2010.
Who is PD CEN/TS 16937 - Guidance for the development of nanotechnologies?
PD CEN/TS 16937 on guidelines for the development of nanotechnologies is useful for:
- Government regulatory authorities
- Nanotechnologies researchers
- Nanotechnology companies
- Nanotechnology supply chains
- Academia
- Policymakers
- Non-governmental organizations
Why should you use PD CEN/TS 16937 - Guidance for the development of nanotechnologies?
Nanotechnology-related development brings novel functionalities to materials and new applications. They have been accompanied by a societal demand to assess their effects, given the lack of (reliable) information related to this novel area. While assessing risks, benefits, lack of (reliable) information, or ambiguity, is not specific to this field, the question of responsible development, including societal and ethical aspects, is often raised in the context of nanotechnologies. PD CEN/TS 16937 can be used by organizations working in nanotechnology supply chains, academia, policymakers, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). PD CEN/TS 16937 may also be used by the organisations providing services to the industry such as consulting, finance, or insurance companies.
To ensure the responsible development of nanotechnologies, PD CEN/TS 16937 provides guidance to communication and interaction with relevant stakeholders. PD CEN/TS 16937 describes the process that an organization or group of organisations may choose to follow to ensure accountability, transparency, safety (for workers, consumers, and the environment) and clear communication.