Description
Book SynopsisTraditional Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodologies affect the public health and environmental impacts from a material, product, process or activity. The authors of this book suggest that a more holistic approach that incorporates societal and behavioral dimensions will create better results. They discuss how to develop an adaptive framework that would include a wider range of perspectives and disciplines. The book will also include discussions about "Technological Black Swans," trading zones, ethics, behavioral nanotechnology, governance, risk, green design, tools for practitioners, and conclude with a chapter presenting a "strategic outlook."
Trade Review"Fact or fiction? This book is a great introduction to social behavior and the science aspects of technology-orientated people like me. The first two chapters present plausible fictional role-playing scenarios of the decisions the public could encounter when nanotechnology comes into their homes.The other chapters provide in-depth novel approaches on how to look at future impacts of nanotechnology that will impact a variety of stakeholders."—Prof. Paul Westerhoff, Arizona State University, USA
"The last century has witnessed the evolution of technologies from vacuum tubes to semiconductors to nanomaterials. Unlike previous technologies, the spiral on innovations in nanotechnology has demonstrated unique applications that were previously impossible to attain by other means. Yet, there is growing concern about environmental impacts of nanomaterials, and thus the subject of life cycle analysis of nanomaterials and products employing nanomaterials is extremely engaging. The book by Gorman, Savage, and Street is very timely as it deals with topics as indispensable as water, mining, human health, to name just a few. The various contributions in this edited volume provide a well-balanced view and critical life cycle analysis of nanomaterials, which is useful for technologists, policy makers, and concerned citizens."—Prof. Ashok Vaseashta, Institute for Advanced Sciences Convergence & Int'l Clean Water Institute, NUARI, VA, USA and VTT/AVC, U.S. Department of State, Washington DC, USA
Table of ContentsUsing Nanotechnology to Filter Water: A Hypothetical Case Study. Nanotechnology for Human Health. Assessing Emerging Technology Systems: Why LCA Fails. Technology Mandates and Socio-Behavioral Life Cycle Assessment. Issues in Life Cycle Risk Assessment: The Way Ahead. Organizational Capability Life Cycles for Responsible Innovation. Socialis Commodis and Life Cycle Analysis: A Critical Examination of Uncertainty. Who Let the "Social Scientists" into the Lab? What Are the Factors Affecting Anthropogenic Phosphorous Loss? A Case Study of Chaohu Watershed in Central China. Life Cycle Assessment and the U.S. Policy-Making Context. Unexpected Appropriations of Technology and Life Cycle Analysis: Reframing Cradle-to-Grave Approaches. Surface-Friendly Urban Mining.
