What are the Challenges in Obtaining Informed Consent?
One of the primary challenges in obtaining informed consent for nanotechnology applications is the complexity of the science involved. Most people lack the technical background to fully understand the implications of nanoparticles or nanoscale processes. Additionally, there is often a paucity of data regarding long-term effects, making it difficult to provide comprehensive risk assessments. Another issue is the potential for information asymmetry, where developers or researchers might have more information than they disclose.
