Nanotechnology is embedded in the products or processes of nearly every major industry and has become a mainstay of product innovation and enhancement. These products will likely generate value and benefit but may create new risks and loss scenarios that could directly impact the insurance and reinsurance industries.Executive SummaryLack of data makes nanotechnology a challenge for insurers and reinsurers, writes Munich Re America’s Gerry Finley, who provides some basic considerations for qualitative underwriting of nanotechnology risks.
Nanoscale particles and material have been in existence literally since the beginning of time. For example, they can occur from volcano eruptions or fire, or from auto exhaust fumes or cigarette smoke. But only in the last few decades have scientists been able to intentionally create, design and manipulate a wide variety of nanoscale material to achieve specific objectives.