We got word from the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (a joint project of the Wilson Center and Pew) that it’s teaming up with Consumer’s Union for an online forum this Tuesday and Wednesday about the potential risks and benefits of nanotechnology in consumer products. The forum is free and open to the public — in fact, the online dialogue is aimed at opening up this issue to the general public. From the site for the forum, here’s the agenda:

Tuesday, October 23 : Nanotechnology and Consumer Products: Introduction
Nanotechnology is no longer simply a science of the future, but it is a way of producing and using materials at a tiny scale that is rapidly entering our everyday lives in cosmetics, medicine, food, sports equipment, computers, automobiles, and many other consumer products. On the first day of this dialogue, we invite you to learn about nanotechnology and its current applications, to ask questions, and to share your thoughts on the benefits and risks of these technologies.

Wednesday, October 24 : Nanotechnology and the Consumer: Moving Forward
Day two of our dialogue will provide a forum for discussing existing and potential nanotechnology regulation, oversight and outreach activities associated with nanotechnology consumer products. Participants are invited to discuss their thoughts on the type of nanotechnology oversight and involvement they would like to see as the technological development moves forward.