As nanotechnology grew to prominence in the early 21st century, regulators and policymakers have paid increasing attention to the risk involved in introducing these new nanoparticles to society. The concern is twofold: first, nanoparticles will have unknown implications to human health; and second, new technologies -- if they continue to be developed in the current manner -- will perpetuate economic inequalities.

The first concern is akin to the GMO debate of the 1990s, and the proposed solution is based on that experience -- to set aside some funds for ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications) research. The second concern is similar to the "Digital Divide" debate of the same period.

In June 2007, the Chemical Heritage Foundation hosted a symposium on the "Social Studies of Nanotechnology" with the Wharton School of Business, which attracted a significant number of scholars, scientist, businessmen, and policymakers. The keynote speaker Vicki Colvin, Director of Rice University's Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology, emphasized "open information" as a solution to the two concerns addressed above.

To quote from the summary report that came out of the symposium:
"Open information is also critical for social and economic justice. For example, researchers at Rice University have been working on the use of nanoparticles to absorb arsenic from drinking water supplies. Nanoscale iron oxide absorbs arsenic efficiently, but in many countries implementing the process is either too expensive or technically impossible. The Rice researchers realized they could use magnetic fi ltration for nanosorbents, which, at the small-size range, could pull out unsafe particles with a handheld magnet. The “recipe” to make nanoscale magnetite can be posted on the Web, allowing the technique to be distributed to many villages and used by any individual with modest
means in a regular kitchen setting. This solution might be called “open-source nanotechnology,” to quote anthropologist Christopher Kelty: the interaction between natural scientists and social scientists throughout the development process led to a sustainable and just outcome."

Draft of the full report is attached as PDF.