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VOICE-OVER: Timeless enjoyment, new developments.
The unsuspecting holidaymaker may not realise
that many sunscreens incorporate a new technology.
The lotions are lighter and more transparent than their predecessors,
but offer better protection, because they're based on nanotechnology.
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VOICE-OVER: Nanotechnology is set to have major impact on our lives.
Compared with standard particles
minuscule nanoparticles have different properties and behave in a different way.
It's now possible to manipulate materials at the molecular level,
giving them entirely different characteristics.
The result is a new generation of technological applications.
Nanotechnology is already being used in various types of product,
including cosmetics, clothing, food,
computer chips and paint.
RIVM has a prominent role in the consultation structure on nanotechnology.
For example, we facilitate the annual meetings of the Nanomedicine Platform.
MONIQUE GROENEWOLD: The role of RIVM is mapping uncertain risks
and we play a key role in obtaining new knowledge
and, by integrating this knowledge, we hope to gain new insights.
And we have to realise that it is not only nanotechnology,
but also other new technologies that are introduced, such as synthetic biology.
And an institute like RIVM always plays an independent role.
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VOICE-OVER: An area in which nanotechnology
is likely to have marked impact is healthcare.
The lab-on-a-chip is a capsule with a sort of mini laboratory.
It can identify cancer cells in the patient's digestive tract.
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This technology relies on nanoparticles.
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The doctor simply reads off the results, using a mobile phone app.
Alongside the advantages of nanotechnology
there are concerns about its potential threats
to human health and the environment.
Not least the potential risks posed by nondegradable synthetic nanomaterials.
ADRIENNE SIPS: New technology brings new products
and these products can improve your quality of life and can bring you many benefits.
But, on the other hand, we also need to be aware
whether it gives rise to new questions about safety.
VOICE-OVER: RIVM is conducting research into graphene, for example,
a form of carbon layer that is a single atom in thickness.
It has extraordinary properties.
SIPS: A good example is graphene.
It's a new material, a material with high potential.
It's flexible and thereby very suitable to use in cellphones.
You can imagine round cellphones.
On the other hand, it is also a material with high conductivity
and thereby also very suitable for touchscreens.
VOICE-OVER: RIVM researches nanotechnology
and its potential impact on public health
and on the quality and safety of the environment.
Our work is not confined to the Netherlands
but involves close co-operation with partners throughout Europe and beyond.
After all, there are significant economic interests at stake.
New technology calls for a new way of working.
SIPS: There are large investments throughout Europe
by companies and governments in this material
and that is an extra reason to look, at an earlier stage
than we used to, at what the new safety issues are.
We need to pose these questions about safety
and in that way we try to facilitate innovation rather than hamper it.
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VOICE-OVER: Nanotechnology is one of the areas
in which the modern RIVM can specialise.
We shall do so as an objective institute
that offers impartial advise and plays a leading role in international research.
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