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Nanotechnology Conference Papers Now Online

ACTU LogoThe Australian Council Of Trade Unions held a half day seminar this month to examine the issue of nanotechnology and Occupational Health and Safety.

The ACTU invited Georgia Miller from Friends of the Earth (FOE) who provided an excellent overview of issues relating to nanotechnology including what it is, where is it being used and what the future might look like in a nanotechnology world.

Assoc. Prof. Tom Faunce from the Australian National University (ANU), a lawyer and medical doctor introduced the audience to how nanomaterials react in the body, the toxicity of nanomaterials and some regulatory considerations.

Dr. Maxine McCall from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) provided participants with a comprehensive and informative presentation about carbon nano-tubes and the work of the CSIRO.

Dr. Diana Bowman from Monash University provided participants with a thorough review of regulatory challenges and gaps caused by nanotechnology.

Steve Mullins, the ACTU’s OHS Officer took participants through the issues relating to worker health and safety protections, the gaps in existing protections and the trade union response to nanotechnology.

The Seminar concluded with a participant workshop.

You can access the papers on the ACTU website

Source: ACTU / TUC Risks



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