In a precedent-setting move, UNITAR and OECD, under the auspices of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (which UNITAR presently chairs), are holding Awareness-Raising Workshops on Nanotechnology/ Manufactured Nanomaterials for Developing and Transition Countries. These workshops are being organised in conjunction with UN regional meetings on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) during 2009-2010 following a request for action regarding nanotechnologies and nanomaterials. The workshops will inform on potential applications and risks from nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials as well as look for opportunities for awareness raising activities to be undertaken in those countries.   The first workshop – for countries in the Asia-Pacific region – was held in Beijing, China, on 27 November 2009. The second workshop will be held on 11 December 2009 in Lodz, Poland – for Central and Eastern European countries. Workshops for the Africa and Latin America regions and the Arab Countries sub-region will follow in 2010.   Nanotechnology, know as “the science of the small,” and the products of nano – known as “manufactured nanomaterials” – have the possibility to change life as we know it. Tiny nano particles that are measured on the scale of one billionth of a meter or 1/80,000 the width of a human hair. With this technology, a computer can be built to fit on the head of a pin; laptop batteries can have double, triple or longer lives between chargings; and materials such as clothing can be made miraculously stain-proof. However, these tiny particles, especially if they are released into the workplace or the environment, pose risks that the scientific community and policy makers are just beginning to study.   With initial financial support from Switzerland, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, UNITAR has the honour to be one of the first UN organizations to assist developing and transition countries to address issues related to nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials.   With additional support from the Government of Switzerland, a series of Nano Country Pilot Projects will also commence later in 2010.  

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