Cambridge - The Museum of Science and the city’s Public Health Department will host a public forum, “Nanotechnology in Cambridge: What Do You Think?,” Thursday, May 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Museum of Science for people to learn about nanomaterials and their potential benefits and risks, voice their own opinions, and hear the thoughts of others.

The emerging field of nanotechnology offers the potential for groundbreaking advances in energy, computing, medicine, manufacturing and defense. By engineering tiny structures and devices on the scale of atoms and molecules, nano researchers are exploring new technologies that may help slow down global warming, provide clean water to millions, build next-generation computers, carry cancer therapies directly into sick cells, repair nerve damage, and sense the presence of even a few molecules of deadly disease agents or toxins.

However, there is still uncertainty about the safety of some materials produced with nanotechnology. Tiny nano-particles may present health or environmental risks not present in larger particles of the same materials, either because of their super small size or because of new properties that emerge at such small sizes. Sunscreens, cosmetics, textiles, washing machines, car wax, adhesive bandages, and other nano-particle containing consumer items are already in stores. However, unlike nano-materials used in carefully controlled laboratory or medical research, consumer products are largely unregulated by the government and could be available in unlimited quantities.

Panelists Tim Miller, the museum’s nanoscale science and engineering education associate, Sam Lipson, director of environmental health for the Cambridge Public Health Department, and others, will join moderator David Sittenfeld, manager of the museum’s forum program, to discuss nanomaterials, their applications and potential risks, and the monitoring actions being considered by the city. Then, citizens assume the roles of city council members, health officials, pharmaceutical workers, and residents in a mock city council meeting.

They will address such questions as: Should citizens/consumers be made more aware of the lack of research on the safety of some nanoparticles in consumer goods? Do nanoparticles differ from other unregulated ingredients in over-the-counter consumer items? Should there be warning signs or labels? Should residents be required to consult with a store employee before buying nano-particle-containing products, even if there’s no evidence of risk? Should a public awareness campaign highlight the lack of health and safety studies about these products? What messages should we send the state and the federal government?

As tasked by the City Council, Lipson and members of a Nanomaterials Advisory Committee have been studying potential actions to take regarding city oversight of nanomaterials, One committee member, Cambridge resident Carol Lynn Alpert, who is also a Museum of Science Co-PI for the national NSF-funded Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network, suggested the city include public awareness and discussion as part of the ongoing response framework. The museum’s forums programs are designed to engage the public in science and technology policy deliberation as part of the learning process, accessible to everyone. Participants are guided in exploring new science and technology, sifting information, analyzing costs, benefits, and uncertainties, and experiencing how values may affect choices. The outcomes to these discussions will be made available to Health Department officials and the City Council.

No previous knowledge of nanotechnology is required. For more information, visit 617-589-4250 or e-mail forumrsvp@mos.org.