After the asbestos scandal, the ETUC finds it unacceptable that products should now be manufactured without their potential effects on human health and the environment being known unless a precautionary approach has been applied and made transparent to the workers, says Joel Decaillon, ETUC Confederal Secretary

This approach, commonly referred to as the precautionary principle, states if an action or policy raises the threat of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures must be taken even if the cause and effect relationship is not fully established. The ETUC is one of many organizations and individuals who feel there is a threat of harm from nanomaterials to workers in laboratories and manufacturing facilities along with consumers and the environment.

Nanotechnology is the term used to describe the building of products, devices or structures using nano or very small particles. There are hundreds of nanotechnology-based consumer products currently available ranging from sunscreen and dental bonding agents to diet supplements and wrinkle-free clothing. The use of these materials and this technology is expected to grow significantly.

The ETUC recently passed a resolution on nanotechnology and nanomaterials outlining a wide range of demands in addition to the precautionary principle. These include:

• adoption of a no data, no market policy (a similar requirement to that mandated by Europe s REACH Regulation),
• provision of training and health surveillance for exposed workers,
• provision of safety data sheets with full disclosure of nanomaterials,
• involvement of workers and their representatives in the assessment and reduction of nanomaterial-related risks,
• investment of at least 15% of public research budgets for health and environmental aspects, and
• ensuring health and safety at work are a compulsory part of all research projects.

Support for the application of the precautionary principle is growing, particularly after the recent publication of research suggesting carbon nanotubes may cause mesothelioma. An editorial appearing in the July, 2008 issue of cancer magazine, The Lancet Oncology, stated It would be wise to invoke the Precautionary Principle to ensure health and safety measures are sufficiently rigorous to decrease the possibility of health risks to industry workers...These actions would prevent a repetition of the pitiful response seen in the 20^th century to evidence linking asbestos with various lung diseases.

Here in Canada, an expert panel on nanotechnology appointed by the Council of Canadian Academies recently released a report warning of the health and environmental risks associated with this growing technology. In this report, they similarly called for a precautionary approach, giving priority to ensuring the safety of health and the environment. They also called for a greater investment in strategic research and warned current [Canadian] regulatory triggers are not sufficient to identify all nanomaterials entering the market that may require regulatory oversight.

Here in Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and others are leading campaigns to convince the Ontario government to adopt the precautionary principle in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. But knowing how long this process can take and that laws can be changed moving forward, the OFL is also encouraging worker representatives to negotiate precautionary principle language into collective agreements.

Want to read more about the ETUC nanotechnology resolution?

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Want to read the nanotechnology panel report from the Council of Canadian Academies?

Want to read a recent study suggesting carbon nanotubes may cause mesothelioma?

Want to know more about the OFLs precautionary principle campaign?

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