Nanotechnology

The Plastics of the 21st Century?

2006
 Contents

Contents
1 Forew ord
2 E xecutive Summary
3 Introduction
4 The Relationship between Insurance and Innovation
5 Overview of Nanotechnology
6 B e n e f i t s t o G l o b a l E c o n o my
6 Manufacturing
6 Environment
7 Medicine
7 Information Technology
8 A s s o c i at e d R i s k s
8 Attribute-Related Concerns
8 Types of Exposures
8 Populations Affected
10 R e g u l a tion
11 L i kely Evolution of Insurance Coverage
11 Stage I: The Early Study Period
12 Stage II: The Fear Phase
13 Stage III: The Mature Stage
14 Conclusion
15 Selected References
 Foreword

Foreword
This report was prepared by Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc. in conjunction with Dr. Robert
Blaunstein, National Director of Loss Control and Underwriting Manager for American Safety
Insurance Company. Previously, Dr. Blaunstein was Managing Director and co-founder of
Seneca Environmental Management (SEM), Vice President of Seneca Specialty Company and
Vice President of Crum and Forster Specialty Insurance Company. While Assistant Professor
of Physics at the University of Tennessee and consulting scientist to the Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, Dr. Blaunstein conducted research, provided instruction and supervised doctoral
students in the area of atomic and molecular radiation physics. A frequent lecturer and
consultant to governmental and industrial leaders throughout the world, Dr. Blaunstein was
a Public Health Service Fellow and member of the United States Chamber of Commerce,
Environment Committee and is a member of the American Physical Society, The American
Society of Testing and Materials, National Groundwater Association and the Sigma Xi
Honorary Society. He received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Tennessee and
an M.S. degree in physics from Case Western Reserve University.
2 Executive Summary

Executive
Summary
> Many scientists view nanotechnology as the revolutionary technology of the 21st century. Just
as plastics were a pervasive and revolutionary product of the 20th century, nanotechnology
products are expected to have widespread use and change our lives in myriad ways.
Nanotechnology products are currently in use in more than 200 consumer products, ranging
from air conditioners to sunscreen.

> Nanotechnology is based on matter that is so small that it exists in the atomic and molecular
realm. At this size, the substance's physical, chemical and biological properties frequently are
different from what they were at the micrometer and larger scales. By harnessing these new
properties, researchers have found that they can develop materials, devices and systems that
are superior to those in use today.

> As with practically all scientific breakthroughs, nanotechnology carries both risks and rewards.
While it appears almost certain that the rewards will greatly outweigh the risks, attention must
be paid to possible dangers to the well-being of humans from this new technology.

> The insurance industry has a major role to play in helping society capture the benefits of
nanotechnology by helping to spread the risks.

> Nanotechnology risks are covered under a wide variety of covers, including products liability,
workers compensation, professional liability and general liability.

> Insurance cover for nanotechnology products are expected to evolve in three stages:

1. An early study period, currently underway, where insurers and reinsurers study
the issue.

2. The fear phase, frequently accentuated by unfounded but terrifying rumors. This
stage is expected to be short, given the generally benign nature of nanotechnology
products.

3. The mature phase, where cover routinely is provided either within conventional
products or on a standalone basis.

> Government regulation of nanotechnology is in its infancy. Existing regulations in Europe or

the United States generally do not distinguish between bulk and nanoscale size. In particular,
detection tools for the routine checking of toxins are not adequate to address the smallness of
nano-sized matter.

> There is a great opportunity now for insurers to work with governments to shape a regulatory
environment that will foster the positive use of nanotechnology while sensibly addressing
the risks.

> Nanotechnology carries a great promise for improved economic and social well-being.
Given sensible management of the risk by governments and the insurance industry, this
new scientific advancement can add greatly to the progress of humanity.
 Introduction 3

Introduction
Nanotechnology is a generic term for applications that work with matter that is so small that
it exists in the atomic and molecular realm. At this size, the substance's physical, chemical
and biological properties are different from what they were at the micrometer and larger
scales. By harnessing these new properties, researchers have found that they can develop
materials, devices and systems that are superior to those in use today.

From the way we communicate, to the methods used to diagnose and treat our illnesses, to
the speed with which our computers process data, this new technology promises to enhance
our lives in almost limitless ways.

Nanotechnology currently is being used to improve existing products and processes, for
example, by strengthening the material used in golf clubs and bicycle frames, creating
stain- and water-repellant clothing and producing wear-resistant paints and coatings.

One developing area in nanotechnology is that of self-assembly, whereby materials will be

able to grow themselves. Such innovations will not only increase productivity, but also will
create new materials in a process known as “dynamic self-assembly.”

In the longer term, however, nanotechnology is likely to result in completely revolutionary

advances. Promising uses of nanoscale particles may include the cleanup of heavily polluted
sites, more effective diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases, lighting that is
twice as energy-efficient as what is currently available, cleaner manufacturing techniques
and much smaller and more powerful computers. Research indicates that nanotechnology
even may help create an alternative fuel to power our automobiles.

As optimistic as researchers may be, however, responsible decisions must be made regarding
its development and use. Growing evidence suggests that nanoparticles–the basic building
blocks of nanotechnology and the tiniest materials ever engineered and produced–may pose
environmental, health and safety risks.

Consequently, if the insurance industry is to support the myriad positive uses of nanotech-
nology while not incurring major long-term losses, it must have a thorough understanding
of how nanomaterials are produced, stored, used and discarded.
4 The Relationship Between Insurance and Innovation

The Relationship Between

Insurance and Innovation
Risk is a major barrier to innovation. Taking a risk, however, is almost always the first step in
any type of progress. The productivity of the global economy depends on companies that are
willing to find new and better ways of doing things despite the potential perils involved. If they
start to be ruled by fear of liability, our global development could be in jeopardy.

By helping businesses manage the risks associated with product development, insurers play an
important role in stimulating innovation and helping our world move forward in positive ways.
From the early days of marine exploration, to the first satellite launch, to the development of
cutting-edge technologies, insurers have provided a critical safety net that has
supported and encouraged the creative process.

Given the revolutionary potential of nanotechnology and its expected use in virtually every
industry, it is incumbent upon insurers to help accelerate its benefits. At the same time,
developing a thorough understanding of the risks involved is critical.
Overview of Nanotechnology 5

Overview of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology involves both:

> The deliberate manipulation of matter by certain chemical and/or physical processes
(referred to as “bottom-up” production) to create materials with specific properties that
are not displayed in their larger forms.

> The use of manufacturing processes such as milling or grinding (called “top-down”
production) to produce nanosized particles. These particles may or may not have
properties different from those of the bulk material from which they are developed.

At the core of any process involving nanotechnology is a nanometer (nm), which is one
billionth of a meter and 10,000 times smaller than anything that the human eye can see.

Although the trend towards making things smaller is nothing new, the reduction of mate-
rials to the size of nanometers results in both new and altered properties. For example,
some materials begin to exhibit extraordinary electrical conductance, resistance or new
magnetic properties. Some become bactericides, and others demonstrate exceptional
strength and water-repellency. Certain nanomaterials can even interact with biomolecules,
which may enable them to improve medical diagnosis and tissue and organ replacement.

These unique physical, chemical and biological properties generally exist for two reasons:

> At the scale of nanometers, particles and structures have a very high surface-to-mass
ratio. This makes them highly reactive compared to their bulk structure, and this reac-
tivity can be channeled to produce superior products.

> Nanometers exist in the realm of quantum physics, and quantum properties are similarly
valuable in developing enhanced materials.
6 Benefits to Global Economy: Manufacturing

Benefits to Global Economy

This push to extend the boundaries of science comes just in time. According to estimates by the
United Nations World Resources 2000 report, our world population will expand by 50 percent in
the next 50 years, world economic activity will grow by 500 percent and use of global energy
and materials will increase by 300 percent. The ramifications of these numbers are staggering,
and the development of new ways to respond to burgeoning demands is critical.

Nanotechnology-driven processes are spreading rapidly, with positive uses that may be virtually
limitless. Current and longer-term benefits are likely to be realized in several key areas.

Manufacturing The benefits of nanotechnology to manufacturing are, and likely will continue to be, consider-
able. As noted earlier, the process of breaking material down into nanoparticles allows it to be
rebuilt atom by atom, in order to create products with superior strength, decreased weight and
size and impervious coatings.

Nanotechnology also will extend miniaturization to a level that few of us could have imagined.
From the size of computer chips, to the space required for the design and manufacture of
products, we will need to redefine our notion of “small.”

An auxiliary benefit is that nanotechnology-driven manufacturing will not produce the same
types or amounts of waste as did previous production methods. For example, fewer raw
materials are required, which means less need to use up natural resources. This increased
consumption also may mean decreased waste.

In addition, processes likely will become less labor-intensive since, once a molecular
manufacturing process is in place, fewer people will be needed to make it run.

Environment Nanotechnology-based processes promise higher agricultural yields, diminished pollution,

renewable energy sources and less expensive water filtration systems.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports in its draft white paper on this subject that
nanotechnology could reduce worldwide energy consumption by as much as 14.6 percent,
which will decrease carbon emissions and save billions of dollars per year.

Nanotechnology also has the potential to control pollution through “source reduction.” This is
a method of eliminating toxic waste at its source, with the understanding that releasing the
waste into the environment is the last resort. Source reduction can be achieved by cleaning up
existing processes or by reducing consumption of resources where such consumption creates
pollution.

There are several examples of how nanotechnologies can help our environment.

Contaminant Detection
One nanotechnology-based application expected to be introduced in the near term is enhanced
sensors for detecting biological and chemical contaminants. These sensors will be able to
identify harmful agents at very low environmental concentrations, reducing measuring costs
and improving specificity.

Waste Site Remediation and Treatment

Zero-valent iron has been used successfully to treat contaminants in groundwater by forming
a permeable reactive wall. Nanoscale iron particles also may be used to counteract dense
nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) contaminants found in aquifers, which can substantially
reduce the cost of environmental cleanups.
 Benefits to Global Economy: Medicine 7

Other nanomaterials also show promise in breaking down trichloroethylene, tetrachloroeth-

ylene and carbon tetrachloride, all serious contaminants.

Reduction of Global Energy Demands

Nanotechnology can contribute to reduced energy demands by creating lighter materials for
transportation vehicles, enabling the reflectivity of roofing material and improving the use
of alternative energy technologies such as solar energy. It also can allow the molecular-level
control of industrial catalysis, improve the production of hydrogen by solar power and reduce
electrical transmission line losses. As previously noted, given these benefits, the annual reduc-
tion in U.S. energy consumption could reach nearly 15 percent.

Although it is a long way from commercialization, the development of an alternative fuel

source is a potential application of nanotechnology that is becoming more critical each day.
Research is being conducted to determine the effectiveness of carbon nanotubes to store
hydrogen, which could lead to a fuel that powers not only cars but also laptop computers,
cellular phones, digital cameras and various other electronic devices.

Medicine Some of the most promising findings have been in the area of health and medicine, where
nanotechnology is expected to revolutionize the ways that we detect, prevent and treat various
diseases and medical conditions.

The National Institutes of Health has funded research in such areas as the development of a
nanotechnology-based targeted delivery system for anti-cancer drugs, creation of a nano-fiber
technology for blood vessel replacements and the design of a method to control delivery of
medication to treat drug and alcohol addictions. These and other studies show that, because
nanoparticles are so much smaller than human cells, they can function within cells to detect
diseases in their very early stages and administer treatment right to the source.

Information Technology Nanotechnology also offers tremendous benefits to the computer industry. Many major compa-
nies are working with nanoparticles to create significantly smaller storage devices than those
currently available, as well as processors that will run many times faster than those on the
market without any additional power consumption.
8 Associated Risks: Attribute-Related Concerns

Associated Risks
Although there are now only a limited number of products in the marketplace that contain
engineered nanomaterials, the pace of nanotechnology development virtually assures that this
will not be the case for too long. Consequently, the government, insurers and other key industry
participants–both in the United States and abroad–are concerned about the associated environ-
mental, health and safety impact. These interested parties are working together to develop a
better understanding of nanomaterial's properties and risks.

Attribute-Related Concerns The following attributes of nanoparticles create a number of unknown exposures:

> Size of particles: The size of nanoparticles makes them incapable of being measured using
normal techniques.

> Increased reactivity and conductivity: Nanoparticles are more reactive and conductive than
particles larger in size. As such, materials that have been benign in the past may become
toxic in nanoparticle form.

> Routes of exposure: Because of their size, nanoparticles can be inhaled or ingested and
may even enter the body through the skin. In addition, they are capable of crossing the
blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain against contamination.

Types of Exposures Health

To predict the health risks associated with nanomaterials, we must know the facts, such as
routes of exposure, the number of particles actually absorbed, movement of materials once
they enter the body and their impact on the body's regulatory system. Adequate information is
not yet available in these areas to determine with any certainty whether,
or how, nanotechnology can affect our health.

Research has suggested, however, that nanoparticles may be able to enter the body through
routes impenetrable by larger particles and then possibly gain entry into the circulatory system.
Studies in rats also have shown that ultrafine particles smaller than 100 nanometers are more
capable than larger particles of the same substance of causing lung inflammation and tumors.
In addition, there are concerns that nanoparticles may interfere with the body's biological
processes and potentially affect the immune system.

Nevertheless, many more studies need to be completed before any health risks associated with
nanotechnology are more than just a matter of speculation.

Safety
Very little is known about the safety risks presented by engineered nanomaterials. Given their
unique properties, particularly their increased reactivity and electrical conductivity, safety
concerns are focusing on whether nanomaterials could cause fires or explosions.

E n vir o n m e n t a l
Because nanoparticles behave differently from larger particles, questions have arisen about
whether they can pollute the water supply or damage crops during processes that release these
particles into the air, soil or water. Again, studies in this area are in their infancy.

Populations Affected In the short term, the major health and safety risks will be to researchers in laboratories and
production staff exposed during the manufacturing of nanomaterials. People in these occupa-
tions must be aware of the potential hazards of using materials that have unknown properties,
and they must take measures to mitigate their risks. However, their activities are contained and
generally do not pose a threat to the public or to the environment.
Associated Risks: Populations Affected 9

C o m m o n T y p e s o f N a n o m aterials
Among the many types of nanotechnology-produced materials, four in particular are receiving
significant attention: buckyballs, nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and quantum dots.

Buckyballs
A buckyball (short for Buckminster Fullerene) is a molecule containing carbon atoms that are
bound together into a hollow sphere. Because carbon atoms bond to many other types of
atoms, a buckyball can be used to create larger customized molecules.

Perhaps the most exciting potential for buckeyballs is in the fields of health and medicine.
Because nanomaterials are hundreds to thousands of times smaller than human cells, and
are similar in size to biological molecules, they can react with biomolecules on the surface of
cells or within cells.

Using buckyballs, scientists may be able to create nanodevices that can enter cells or even
move easily throughout the bloodstream. These devices may thus provide access to parts of
the body that were previously not easily accessible. For example, it is hoped that buckyballs
may be used in the targeted delivery of medications directly to infected regions of the body.
By placing the medication inside an array of buckyballs and injecting them into the
bloodstream, the buckyballs can find their way to the diseased site and release the drug.

Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles are tiny particles consisting of a single element or compound. Well known
examples include titanium dioxide nanopowder (used in suntan lotions and cosmetics) and
ferrous oxide particles (used in imaging, such as x-ray films). What makes nanoparticles
interesting and useful is that they exhibit properties that differ from the bulk material from
which they are derived. They can increase material strength, provide impervious and slippery
coatings and improve energy transfer in solar cells.

Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes are composed of carbon atoms bound together into long thin tubes less
than 2 nm in diameter. Classified as either single-walled or multiwalled, their extraordinary
properties include a density of 1.4 grams/cc, compared with aluminum at 2.7 grams/cc; ten-
sile strength of 45 billon pascals, while steel alloys break at 2 billion pascals; and the ability
to carry 1 billion amps/cm2, whereas copper wires burn out at 1 million amps/cm2.

Some of the more positive uses of carbon nanotubes may be in the design of semiconductors,
chemical and genetic probes and field emission based devices such as flat-panel displays.

Quantum Dots
A quantum dot is a nanosized crystal that emits light after an outside source, such as
ultraviolet light, and excites the electrons in the material.

Quantum dots are generally inert in the body and consequently are very useful in tagging
proteins and nucleic acids. When ultraviolet light is shined on a sample, the quantum dots
glow, indicating the locations of attached proteins and yielding substantial useful information.
10 Regulation

Regulation
Regulators in the United States, the European Union and elsewhere around the world believe
that nanoparticles represent an entirely new risk and that it is necessary to carry out an
extensive analysis of the risk. Such studies then can form the basis for government and
international regulations.

Existing regulations may prove to be grossly inadequate in providing a safe environment in a

world of nanotechnology products. Studies of the impact of airborne particles generally have
shown that the smaller the particles, the more toxic they become. This is due in part to the
fact that, given the same mass per volume, the dose in terms of particle numbers increases as
particle size decreases. As a result, standards developed for mass products may prove to be
highly insufficient for nano products.

In general, it is to be hoped that regulation of nanotechnology will be conducted in a compre-

hensive fashion, taking account of the specific manufacturing and use environments of these
new products. It is likely that the silo form of substance regulation in place for mass products
may not be appropriate for products of nano size, where a high degree of reactivity tends to
change the level of risk across different environments.
 Likely Evolution of Insurance Covers: Stage I: The Early Study Period 11

Likely Evolution of Insurance Covers

Nanotechnology risks are covered under a wide variety of insurance covers, including product
liability, workers compensation, professional liability and general liability.

Establishing direct relationships and definitive conclusions between exposure to manufactured

nanoparticles and health and environmental effects may take years. In the meantime, it is too
soon to make broad and sweeping decisions about exclusions of nanotechnologies from policy
cover because:

> Exposure to the general public is still low.

> The various nanotechnologies encompass a broad array of activities–without a uniform

description and with very different risk characteristics.

> There is significant diversification between the various nanotechnologies within most
insurance portfolios, which has the effect of alleviating adverse selection among the
different nanotechnologies.

We at Guy Carpenter believe that insurance coverage for nanotechnology is likely to evolve in a
manner similar to other changing technologies. Initially, covers for the risk are likely to mimic
existing covers for product liability. Over time, the specific risks posed by nanomaterials will be
studied, knowledge will grow and customized covers will be developed.

We have observed similar progress with other evolving technologies. Going back to the origins
of modern insurance, the first policies written were for ocean marine, reflecting the dominant
form of travel and commercial transportation, which was by sea. As transportation of goods
developed internally by canals and roads, inland marine policies evolved to reflect the newer
and different risks posed by inland transportation. The final result is a wide variety of covers
in the inland marine field, many of which––like “Accounts Receivable” and “Electronic Data
Processing”––have a tenuous relationship to transportation by water.

We envision cover for nanotechnology to evolve in three stages.

Stage I: This stage is currently underway. It is characterized by continued cover under existing policies
The Early Study Period and efforts by insurers and reinsurers to become more familiar with the special risks posed by
nanotechnology.

The scarcity of data about nanotechnology makes it a challenge to anticipate and respond to its
risks. To address this problem, the federal government is funding research into this technology's
environmental, health and safety (EHS) impact. The National Nanotechnology Initiative, created
by 24 federal agencies, has a 2006 budget of more than $1 billion earmarked for nanotechnology
research and development. Those agencies most heavily involved in researching the EHS proper-
ties of nanomaterials are the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The three major objectives of this federally funded research are:

> to expand the scope of information on the behavior of nanomaterials.

> to develop instruments that can measure and test nanomaterials and monitor exposure.

> to assess the safety of nanomaterials across all areas of usage.

12 Likely Evolution of Insurance Covers: Stage II: The Fear Phase

Concurrent with government research, insurers are gathering information about businesses
that produce, use, store or dispose of nanomaterials and/or products containing nanomaterials.
In particular, the industry is assessing potential property damage, bodily injury to workers and
the public and the environmental liabilities associated with businesses handling and using
nanomaterials.

Stage II: The Fear Phase In this stage, insurers and reinsurers begin to harbor fears that the nanotechnology risk may be
higher than earlier estimated. Scary media stories give rise to doubts among CEOs of insurance
companies. Insurers and reinsurers begin to look at reducing cover, and pressure develops to
restrict risk transfer by the use of sub-limits and “claims-made” covers.

Given what we currently know about nanotechnology risks, the fear stage is likely to be mild.
While studies of the long-term health impacts of nanomaterial exposure are in their infancy, so
far there have been no smoking guns or evidence of mass health deterioration as, for example,
experienced with toxic substances like asbestos or lead.

If the private market fails:

While not our basic scenario, there is a definite possibility that the fear stage will result in some
withdrawal by insurers and reinsurers from nanotechnology covers. Given the importance of
nanotechnology to the forward growth of developed economies, we are likely to see govern-
ments propose various solutions to problems of lack of availability of insurance.

Po o l S o l u t i o n s
State-run pools may play an important role in ensuring the availability of coverage during this
period. Such pools can assume the most volatile aspects of writing nanotechnology-related
business by mutualizing and balancing the funding of exposures across all constituencies and
thus enabling insurers to provide a lower-cost product to clients.

Government Support
Until such time as the associated risks can be quantified, the government may act as a back-
stop to limit the liability of those industries that design or use nanotechnology-driven products
or processes.

One example of how the government can provide this type of support is the U.S. Congress's 1957
enactment of the Price-Anderson Act, which limits the nuclear industry's liability in the event
of a nuclear accident in the United States.

Under the Act, each utility is required to maintain the maximum amount of coverage available
from the private insurance industry, which is currently $200 million per reactor. Above that
amount, the Act establishes two insurance tiers. The first, which is funded by requiring each
nuclear operator to pay up to $88 million for each reactor it operates, is triggered if claims
following a nuclear accident exceed the coverage provided by private insurers. If this first
insurance tier is depleted, any additional claims are covered by the federal government.

In order to accept the unknown risks of nanotechnology, it may be necessary for insurers to
establish a no-fault system in which the industry funds the first layer of insurance according
to a predetermined scheme, and any claims above that amount would be covered by the
federal government
 Likely Evolution of Insurance Covers: Stage III: The Mature Phase 13

Stage III: In this stage, customized solutions are likely to be available at reasonable rates in both
The Mature Phase the insurance and reinsurance markets.

Insurers will know, with more precision, the types of losses that this new technology can
produce and how frequent and severe these losses might be. When these risk components
can be more accurately determined, insurers can better predict future losses and calculate
an appropriate premium. At this point, standard forms specific to the new exposures
can be developed.

We would envisage three separate forms of cover in this mature phase:

> Covers designed around legislation, in a manner similar to some Environmental

Impairment Liability policies.

> Standalone cover, similar to Employee Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI).

> Covers integrated into standard policies.

14 Conclusion

Conclusion
As is the case with most emerging areas of risk, nanotechnology challenges us with many
unknowns. These challenges are further complicated by the fact that few risk-related forecasts
have been scientifically confirmed.

Many industries are extremely optimistic about the opportunities associated with nanotechnology.
If they are not currently exploring its potential, they are likely to do so in the very near future.

Because insurers play such a critical part in enabling new and beneficial technologies, it is
critical that they work together with manufacturers, the government, scientists and regulatory
agencies to identify and quantify nanotechnology's risks. Public response to this new technology,
as well as the legal climate, will depend upon how much accurate information is available.

We at Guy Carpenter believe that managing the unknowns associated with the development and
use of nanotechnology will not be much different from gauging the risks involved with environ-
mental liability (EL) or employee practices liability (EPL). Standard, affordable coverage will
eventually be available. In the meantime, by using claims-made forms and setting appropriate
deductibles and limits that are commensurate with unknown risks, insurers can mitigate their
potential losses and still participate in this exciting new market.

NANOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR Chemical

APPLICATIONS Automotive
Fillers for paints; composite materials;
Lightweight construction; catalysts and painting;
impregnation of papers; adhesives;
tires; sensors; windshield and body coatings
magnetic fluids

Construction Cosmetics
Materials; insulation; flame retardants; surface Sunscreen; lipsticks; skin creams;
coatings; mortar toothpaste

Electronics
Energy
Displays; data memory; laser diodes; fiber
Lighting; fuel cells; solar cells; batteries;
optics; optical switches; filters; conductive and
capacitors
antistatic coatings

Environmental
Engineering
Environmental monitoring; soil and ground -
Protective coatings for tools and machines;
water remediation; toxic exposure sensors; fuel
lubricant-free bearings
changing catalysts; green chemistry

Food and Drink Household

Packaging; storage life sensors; additives; Ceramic coatings for irons; odor removers;
juice clarifiers cleaners for glass, ceramics and metals

Medicine Sports
Drug delivery systems; contrast medium; rapid Ski wax; tennis rackets; golf clubs; tennis balls;
testing systems; prostheses and implants; antifouling coatings for boats; antifogging
antimicrobial agents; in-body diagnostic systems coatings for glasses and goggles

Textiles
Warfare
Surface coatings; “smart” clothes (anti-wrinkle,
Neutralization materials for chemical weapons
stain resistant, temperature controlled)

Source: Analysis of Nanotechnology from an Industrial Ecology Perspective Part I: Inventory & Evaluation of Life Cycle Assessments of Nanotechnologies.
Selected References 15

Selected References
Allianz Group. 2005. “Small Sizes That Matter: Opportunities and Risks of
Nanotechnologies.” Allianz AG: Munich.

Amall, A.H. 2003. “Future Technologies, Today's Choices.” Greenpeace Environmental Trust:
London.

Harris, P. 1999. “Carbon Nanotubes and Related Structures.” Cambridge University Press.

Kingdollar, C. 2005. “Hazardous Times® – Nanotechnology – Will Minute Items Have a

Huge Impact on the P/C Industry?” General Re Corporation.

Lekas, D. 2005. “Analysis of Nanotechnology from an Industrial Ecology Perspective Part I:

Inventory & Evaluation of Life Cycle Assessments of Nanotechnologies.”

Masciangioli, T. and Wei-Xian Zhang. 2003. “Environmental Technologies at the

Nanoscale.” Environmental Science & Technology.

Munich Re Group. 2002. “Nanotechnology: What Is In Store for Us?” Münchener

Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG: Munich.

Nanobusiness Alliance. 2006. “Nanotechnology EH&S: A Roadmap for Responsible

Innovation.”

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. 2005. “Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology: An Information Exchange
with NIOSH.”

Roco, Mihail, and W.S. Bainbridge, Editors. 2003. “Nanotechnology: Societal Implications -
Maximizing Benefit for Humanity.” Report of the National Nanotechnology Initiative
Workshop. Arlington, Virginia: National Science Foundation.

Swiss Re. 2004. “Nanotechnology: Small Matters, Many Uknowns.” Swiss Reinsurance
Company: Zurich.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2005. “External Review Draft of Nanotechnology

White Paper.”
Questions or comments regarding
this report should be addressed to
the authors, who are dedicated
to addressing emerging
nanotechnology issues.
Andrew Marcell
Managing Director
Worldwide Casualty Specialty
Practice Leader
Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc.
917.937.3171
Andrew.Marcell@guycarp.com
Harrison Oellrich
Managing Director
Worldwide Cyber, Technology
and Intellectual Property
Practice Leader
Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc.
917.937.3199
Harrison.D.Oellrich@guycarp.com
Sandy Hauserman
Senior Vice President
Worldwide Environmental
Specialty Practice Leader
Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc.
917.937.3126
Sandy.G.Hauserman@guycarp.com
Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc. is the world's leading risk and reinsurance specialist and a part of the Marsh &
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M1689.07.2006.2M Nanotechnology: The Plastics of the 21st Century? © 2006 Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc.