"There is a gap emerging between regulation and the science; either the pace of regulatory development must increase or the science will need to slow down," said Francoise Roure, of the French Ministry of Finance, at the Nanotechnologies for Safety and Success conference, held this week in Espoo, Finland.

According to nanoforum, Dr Roure argued for an approach to the development of nanotechnology which takes into account "European and universal values".

Thomas Epprecht of the insurance company Swiss Re also spoke, addressing the potential financial impact of failing to understand the risks of nanotechnology. Citing asbestos (a comparison nanotech advocates are very tired of hearing), Epprecht reminded the audience that it cost the insurance industry $65 billion, and generated an overall economic cost of $140 billion in the US alone.