국내 나노제품에 대한 시민 모니터링 결과 고찰

Abstract

본 연구의 목적은 나노기술에 대한 일반인의 인식과 참여를 제고하기 위해 '소비자 모니터링'이라는 대중참여모델을 고안하고 그 실행결과를 검토하는데 있다. 모니터 요원은 서울과 부산 지역에 거주하는 30~40대 여성 22명이었다. 이들은 모두 대학 시절 이공계를 전공했기 때문에 과학기술에 대한 일반 지식을 갖추고 있었다. 모니터 대상은 일상생활에 사용되는 나노제품 167개였고, 모니터 기간은 약 1개월이었다. 주요 결과는 다음과 같다. 제품에 '나노'라는 용어의 정의와 나노물질의 크기를 적시한 수는 2개(1.2%)였다. 제품에 적용된 나노기술의 내용을 충분히 설명한 수는 15개(9/0%)였다. 제품의 기능이 향상된 이유를 충분히 설명한 수는 14개(8.4%)였으며, 과장이나 잘못된 지식이 표현됐다고 의심되는 수는 27개(16.2%)였다. 또한 인체와 환경에 대한 위해 가능성이 의심되는 수가 88개(52.7%)였으며, 안전성과 관련한 설명을 명시해야 한다고 지적된 수는 84개(50.3%)였다. 모니터 요원들은 이번 경험을 토대로, 정부가 나노제품의 안전성을 입증해주는 인증제도를 조속히 도입할 것을 촉구했으며, 기업이 나노제품의 설명서에 상세하고 신뢰감 있는 내용을 담을 것을 요구했다. Our team carried out a new program for public engagement on nanotechnology in Korea. We chose 22 monitors, who majored in science or technology and graduated from universities long time ago. Most of them were married and housewives. This 'focus group' had not only general knowledge about science or technology but also much interest in social activities. The 167 nanoproducts to be monitored were for daily life, e.g. home appliances (washing machine, refrigerator, water purifier, etc), clothing, cosmetics, food, toy, and others. And the period of it was one month. The monitors had a sheet with 10 questions, and filled them out in essay form. All of them submitted 2~3 sheets every weekend to our team. Before monitoring, our team had a meeting for introduction and explanation about the potential risk of nanotechnology as well as benefits from it. Another meeting was held after finishing monitoring to share their experience one another. The main results of the monitoring were as follows: the number of nanoproducts describing both the definition of 'nano' and the size of nanomaterials was just 2 (1.2%) the number of them explaining the technical methods enough was 15 (9/0%) the number of them accounting for the reason of functional improvement enough was 14(8.4%); the number of them doubtful as if there would be exaggeration or false knowledge was 27 (16.2%); the number of them commenting potential hazards to human health or environment was almost zero; the number of them describing about safety certification acceptable was 9 (5.4%). The monitors made a proposal containing recommendation to Government and industry. The contents were as follows: industry should make the manual in detail and correctly, Describe Certificate detailed and correctly, Do research on risk and toxicity continually, Educate employee about nanoproducts at consumer's center; Government should make indication of nanoproducts compulsory, Appoint Certificate Authority and make Certificate Mark guaranteeing the safety on nanoproducts, Make detailed explanation about nanoproducts compulsory.