Contemporary challenges in face of nanotechnology regulatory gaps

Abstract

Nanotechnology has been developing rapidly and continuously, creating a gap between innovation and adequate regulation, which includes the possible risks of this technology. Seeking to raise questions and different positions with the theme, the present work aims to show several uses and implications (positive or negative) about the evaluation of the current panorama, seeking a debate to reach possible and viable solutions. In this context, the present work aims to develop a qualitative exploratory study using the analytical method on aspects of environmental legislation and nanotechnology. The inclusion criteria for this research were the selection of scientific articles published in the last 7 years (January 2015 to May 2022) using the Scopus index with the descriptors “legislation” AND “environment” AND “nanotechnology”, according to Boolean Logic. The exclusion criteria consisted of eliminating repeated articles and scientific articles found in book chapters, as well as those that deviated from the proposed theme. Thus, 60 scientific articles were found, and 39 were excluded after applying the exclusion criteria, leaving 21 articles for the preparation of this work. From the results found, it was verified the great potential that nanotechnology and nanomaterials can bring to society, such as the removal of pollutants and treatment of contaminated water, however, it is necessary to raise a debate between the interested parties, so that the possible risks are analyzed. and implications, being of paramount importance to create a regulatory framework to meet the needs that innovations in the field of nanotechnology bring.