It's going to be an issue that comes to the forefront.

This means the ability to put small numbers of atom and molecules where we want them, to form materials, structures and devices that benefit from such a high level of control and precision.

They seem to be more open about finding out what's going on rather than saying they have everything under control.

Product development will always outstrip our understanding of risk, but there is a lot we can do to narrow that gap.

Pump-action sprays typically form droplets that are much larger than those from aerosol cans. These are less likely to reach the sensitive deep lung when inhaled.

Either way, this incident is a wake-up call to the industry because it highlights the problems we face if we don't do diligence with this new technology.

Nanotechnology's potential is vast and it's real. The opportunity for nanotechnology ranges from improving Olympic sports equipment to discovering better treatments for Alzheimer's disease. But our ability to reap the long-term benefits of nanotechnology -- in areas from energy production to medicine -- will depend on how well industry and government manage the safety and performance of this first generation of products.

But the research into the risks isn't being done as efficiently or quickly as it should.

To move from uncertainty to certainty we need good strategic research - and fast.

Collectively and individually, we have more control now over how our future unfolds than ever before. But our ability to envision and engineer the future comes with almost unimaginable levels of responsibility