Nanotechnology is technology that is generally described as that involving dimensions of 1 to 100 nanometres. One nanometre is one billionth of a metre.

It was first discussed in the late 1950s and there is now a large amount of research on the topic.  As of 2018 more the 11 million tonnes of nanomaterials are placed on the market per year contained in a diverse range of over 800 products. 

The sale of products in New Zealand containing nanomaterials is governed by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.

Further information

• Nanotechnology at the New Zealand Ministry for the Environment
• Safety of manufactured nanomaterials at the OECD
• Nanotechnology at Wikipedia