Objective: The present article aims to discuss the risks inherent the new technologies, especially nanotechnology, to the environment and, consequently, to human beings. From this point of view, it presents the evidence of risks pointed out
by scholars as well as the discussions already performed at an international level considering their necessary and emerging regulation.
Methodology: This article uses the methodology of literature survey and a systemic-constructivist framework to approach the risks, in the light of Niklas Luhmann’s concept of society of risk to discuss why nanotechnological risks should be taken into account.
Results: The investigation has as conclusion that, despite the clear evidence of risks, so far there has been no regulation aiming at the development of this technology with investments in safety for the purpose of controlling environmental and human risks. Important issues must be taken into account in the national internal development of a “nanolaw”.
Contributions: As a contribution, this paper discusses some of the main events already held at an international level focusing on the regulation of nanotechnology for its safe development with regard to the environment and human beings. At these events reports were issued supporting the need to share information and also to enter into an international agreement on safety measures designed to face nanotechnologial risks by implementing risk management.