ReseaRch BRief
PRoject on emeRging nanotechnologies
Pen BRief no. 4
aPRil 2008
Project on Emerging
Nanotechnologies
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies
is supported by
The Pew ChariTable TrusTs
focus on the bottom line.
Become or develop a cham-
pion within your firm.
incorporate life cycle think-
ing into operations and
product development.
seek information and as-
sistance on ehs implemen-
tation.
follow best practices for
worker health and safety
precautions.
Prepare for potential nano-
specific regulations.
increase educational efforts.
seek continued
improvement.
3
How to Reduce Your Firm’s Risk
and Increase Revenues Related to
Nanotechnology
an 8-step Program for small firms
Deanna Lekas, ICF International
With limited time and resources, how can your firm start to think about or expand on its
environmental, health, and safety (EHS) practices related to the use of nanomaterials?
This pamphlet presents eight suggestions to assist nano firms in addressing EHS
issues associated with the production and use of nanomaterials.
STEP 1: FOCUS ON THE bOTTOm lINE.
The first step in dealing with the nano ehs landscape is to recognize that
nanomaterial safety is sufficiently important to warrant consideration. here
are a few key reasons why your firm should take action to minimize potential
nano ehs risks in order to increase revenue streams and reduce costs.
Why take this step?
To reduce financial risks: by reducing environmental and human health risks,
firms can insulate themselves from future liabilities. it will save time and
money in the long run by doing things right the first time—designing risks
out of processes and products in the early stages of development instead of
paying for remediation or retrofitting later. in addition, insurers and investors
want to minimize their own risks.1 if they see that your firm is being proac-
2 PRoject on emeRging nanotechnologies
The opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily r