探究當前奈米科技風險治理之國際規範

Exploration of Current International Risk Governance Framework and Regulation of Nanotechnology

奈米科技由於本身及其應用範圍之不確定性，奈米物質實際上對人體之危害情形究竟為何？奈米物質究竟對環境存有何種特殊的毒性？這些問題目前大多仍在觀察及驗證中，尚未有確切的證據。然而基於國際間普遍應用的預防原則，奈米科技固然有許多優點，但仍需就其可能對人體健康、環境安全所造成的衝擊予以先行評估管制。國際間亦長期針對高科技發展所可能帶來的政治、經濟或社會上的影響持續進行深度的討論與研究。在美國與歐盟等先進國家，奈米科技風險治理架構及其相關規範，均已列入官方發展奈米科技的重點。其中關於奈米科技大規模的研究議題及公眾意見的調查，在歐美都被列為為未來政策及立法的參考。奈米科技之風險治理，首要問題為國家在政策制定上究應採取何種管理模式處理奈米新興科技議題。究應採取嚴格管制、放任制度、或適時適度介入模式？因此臺灣政府單位對此議題有必要加以判斷評估。國際社會大多已體認到奈米科技對健康、安全所可能帶來的影響，然而我國政府、產業和政策制定者，仍舊未對於奈米科技在倫理道德、社會與法律影響的重要性有全盤的認知。本文嘗試從國際規範對於奈米科技風險治理之分析探索，進而對於臺灣的奈米科技發展及風險治理提出省思及可能的因應方向。

The application of nanotechnology to industry is a common phenomenon that has developed into an irreversible trend. Due to the uncertainty of its nature and the scope of its applications, whether or not nanotechnology presents danger or the possibility of harm to the human body still needs to be confirmed. There is no conclusive evidence, at the moment, as to whether or not nanotechnology materials have real toxic effects which could result in environmental damage. However, despite many advantages, the internationally and commonly used application of the ‘precautionary principle’ is necessary to evaluate and manage the potential impacts to human healthcare and environmental safety resulting from the application of nanotechnology. Over the past few decades, certain international organizations have had long term monitoring and investigated the political, economic and social issues raised by nanotechnology. In advanced countries, such as the USA and the European Union, the risk governance framework and regulation of nanotechnology has already been incorporated into the main assessment points of governmental policy. The related social and political issues of nanotechnology and the results of large scale public surveys have been regarded as the reference for governmental policy and legislation. The first question with which to challenge a government concerns what attitudes and major directions should government take to tackle the issues of risk governance. Strict regulation? Fair system? Or a timely interventionist approach? Hence, Taiwan’s government needs to assume accountability for the industrial application of nanotechnology. Due to the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the possible impact issues of nanotechnology in Taiwan, this paper attempts to explore the current international risk governance framework and regulation of nanotechnology, and provide relevant comments to Taiwan’s government.