Perceptions of nano-products and nanotechnology by Taiwanese adults

Objectives: To explore the public perception of nano-products and nanotechnology in Taiwan, and to analyze the demographic factors and determinants associated with the perception of risks and benefits. Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted by the Center for Survey Research, Academia Sinica from August to September 2007, with a randomized sample of 1,251 adults aged 18 and older. The sample was representative in its distribution by gender, but not by age. Results: A total of 81.3% of participants had heard of nano-products, especially among female, younger, and more highly educated groups. General linear model analysis indicated that male, older age, higher education, lower risk, and higher trust were the determinants of perception of higher benefits of nanotechnology. Older age, lower benefit, and lower trust were the determinants of higher risk, and lower education, higher benefit and lower risk were the determinants of higher trust. Conclusions: A high percentage of Taiwanese adults have heard of nano-products. Other than gender, age, and education, trust played an important role in determining their perceptions of the risks and benefits of nanotechnology.