Risks and rewards of nanotechnology, from OECD and Allianz

The attitude taken by insurance companies toward nanotech will have a major impact on the field. The OECD and Allianz, an insurance firm, have published a study on the opportunities and risks of nanotechnology (available in pdf format, 2.7 MB). From the announcement: “Allianz believes that it would not be appropriate to create a general exclusion of nanotech from insurance coverage. However, a general ‘wait and see’ attitude is also not an option. As a responsible insurer, Allianz has worked with the OECD in this report to stimulate an early, active and positive response to nanotech-related risks from all parties involved.” Er, good to hear that they aren’t advocating a general exclusion, isn’t it?–CP