 |
|
Federal Toxics Disclosure Law Could Help Inform Public Of Nanotechnology Risks
February 27, 2008Washington, DC - The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN) has released a first-time legal analysis that finds a key federal toxics reporting statute could be applied to production and commercialization of nanotechnology, providing the public with more information about these revolutionary - yet still potentially risky - technologies.
But before the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) authorities can be applied to nanomaterials, in most cases more toxicological data must be developed to better understand the potential human health and environmental impacts of these cutting-edge technologies. The analysis, conducted by two noted environmental law experts, finds that federal authorities may need to be amended to address reporting thresholds that may not apply effectively to nanomaterials because of their unique characteristics.
"There needs to be development of additional toxicological data on nanomaterials, but in theory TRI could be applied to nanomaterials. The key question is whether EPA will make any determinations about whether particular nanomaterials constitute toxic chemicals," says Linda Breggin, one the authors of the analysis and Senior Attorney at the Environmental Law Institute.
The landmark analysis comes as over 40 environmental, consumer, labor and other groups are calling for regulation and disclosure of products containing nanomaterials, and as congressional lawmakers are considering legislation to expand reporting requirements for environmental pollutants under TRI. Although currently proposed legislation does not specifically address nanomaterials, a public dialogue about the benefits and costs of TRI is underway that could include discussion of the program's application to nanomaterials, the new PEN analysis says.
At the local level, in 2006 the City of Berkeley, Calif., adopted a disclosure ordinance that requires nanomaterial manufacturers to disclose the known risks of their products. Now Cambridge, Mass., is considering a similar ordinance, and other local governments may follow suit.
"If Cambridge passes an ordinance similar to Berkeley's, who knows how many other cities or other municipalities will follow?" says PEN Director David Rejeski. "Soon we could have a patchwork of cities across the country with nanotech disclosure ordinances, which is why environmental law experts should take the time now to make the decision as to whether TRI is a tool that can be used at the federal level to disclose nanomaterials' potential risks."
The report also emphasizes the importance of recognizing that several additional right-to-know or disclosure-related laws and initiatives should be explored as possible disclosure vehicles for environmental, health, and safety risks that could be associated with nanomaterials. The report also highlights the fact that additional research is required to determine whether application of TRI to nanomaterials should be pursued as a policy priority in the near term.
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies
The landmark analysis comes as over 40 environmental, consumer, labor and other groups are calling for regulation and disclosure of products containing nanomaterials, and as congressional lawmakers are considering legislation to expand reporting requirements for environmental pollutants under TRI. Although currently proposed legislation does not specifically address nanomaterials, a public dialogue about the benefits and costs of TRI is underway that could include discussion of the program's application to nanomaterials, the new PEN analysis says.
At the local level, in 2006 the City of Berkeley, Calif., adopted a disclosure ordinance that requires nanomaterial manufacturers to disclose the known risks of their products. Now Cambridge, Mass., is considering a similar ordinance, and other local governments may follow suit.
"If Cambridge passes an ordinance similar to Berkeley's, who knows how many other cities or other municipalities will follow?" says PEN Director David Rejeski. "Soon we could have a patchwork of cities across the country with nanotech disclosure ordinances, which is why environmental law experts should take the time now to make the decision as to whether TRI is a tool that can be used at the federal level to disclose nanomaterials' potential risks."
The report also emphasizes the importance of recognizing that several additional right-to-know or disclosure-related laws and initiatives should be explored as possible disclosure vehicles for environmental, health, and safety risks that could be associated with nanomaterials. The report also highlights the fact that additional research is required to determine whether application of TRI to nanomaterials should be pursued as a policy priority in the near term.
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies
Nanomaterials News and Current Nanomaterials Events RSSCool! Nanoparticle research points to energy savings
Adding just the right dash of nanoparticles to standard mixes of lubricants and refrigerants could yield the equivalent of an energy-saving chill pill for factories, hospitals, ships, and others with large cooling systems, suggest the latest results from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) research that is pursuing promising formulations.
Cancer drug delivery research at Case Western Reserve University cuts time from days to hours
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a technique that has the potential to deliver cancer-fighting drugs to diseased areas within hours, as opposed to the two days it currently takes for existing delivery systems.
Nanotech: A regulatory blueprint for the next administration
Nanotechnology will significantly change virtually every facet of the way we live. The next president has the opportunity to shape these changes and to ensure that nanotechnology's benefits will be maximized and its risks identified and controlled.
"Nanosculpture" Could Enable New Types of Heat Pumps and Energy Converters
A new technique for growing single-crystal nanorods and controlling their shape using biomolecules could enable the development of smaller, more powerful heat pumps and devices that harvest electricity from heat.
New ORNL process brings nanoparticles into focus
Scientists can study the biological impacts of engineered nanomaterials on cells within the body with greater resolution than ever because of a procedure developed by researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Microwave synthesis connects with the (quantum) dots
Materials researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a simplified, low-cost process for producing high-quality, water-soluble "quantum dots" for biological research.
Research measures movement of nanomaterials in simple model food chain
New research shows that while engineered nanomaterials can be transferred up the lowest levels of the food chain from single celled organisms to higher multicelled ones, the amount transferred was relatively low and there was no evidence of the nanomaterials concentrating in the higher level organisms.
Nanoparticles assemble by millions to encase oil drops
In a development that could lead to new technologies for cleaning up oil spills and polluted groundwater, scientists at Rice University have shown how tiny, stick-shaped particles of metal and carbon can trap oil droplets in water by spontaneously assembling into bag-like sacs.
Manufactured Buckyballs don't harm microbes that clean the environment
Even large amounts of manufactured nanoparticles, also known as Buckyballs, don't faze microscopic organisms that are charged with cleaning up the environment, according to Purdue University researchers.
As nanotech goes mainstream, 'toxic socks' raise concerns
Nanotechnology is now available in a store near you. Valued for it's antibacterial and odor-fighting properties, nanoparticle silver is becoming the star attraction in a range of products from socks to bandages to washing machines. But as silver's benefits propel it to the forefront of consumer nanomaterials, scientists are recommending a closer examination of the unforeseen environmental and health consequences of nanosilver.
More Nanomaterials News Articles
 | Nanochemistry: A Chemical Approach to Nanomaterials by Geoffrey A. Ozin, Andre C. Arsenault "... [A] gem in the scientific literature". Michael W. Pitcher, Science, 21 July 2006 International interest in nanoscience research has flourished in recent years, as it becomes an integral part in the development of future technologies. The diverse, interdisciplinary nature of nanoscience means effective communication between disciplines is pivotal in the successful utilization of the... |
 | Nanostructures & Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties & Applications by Guozhong Cao This important book focuses on the synthesis and fabrication of nanostructures and nanomaterials, but also includes properties and applications of nanostructures and nanomaterials, particularly inorganic nanomaterials. It provides balanced and comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals and processing techniques with regard to synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of... |
 | Introduction to Nanoscience by Gabor L. Hornyak, H.F. Tibbals, Joydeep Dutta, Anil Rao Tomorrow’s nanoscientist will have a truly interdisciplinary and nano-centric education, rather than, for example, a degree in chemistry with a specialization in nanoscience. For this to happen, the field needs a truly focused and dedicated textbook. This full-color masterwork is such a textbook. It introduces the nanoscale along with the societal impacts of nanoscience, then presents an... |
 | Nanomaterials Chemistry: Recent Developments and New Directions With this handbook, the distinguished team of editors has combined the expertise of leading nanomaterials scientists to provide the latest overview of this field. They cover the whole spectrum of nanomaterials, ranging from theory, synthesis, properties, characterization to application, including such new developments as quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanoporous materials, nanowires, nanotubes, and... |
 | Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications, Second Edition Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications provides a comprehensive introduction to nanomaterials, from how to make them to example properties, processing techniques, and applications. Contributions by leading international researchers and teachers in academic, government, and industrial institutions in nanomaterials provide an accessible guide for newcomers to the field. The coverage... |
 | Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology Since 2004 the Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology has established itself as the definitive reference in the nanoscience and nanotechnology area. It integrates the knowledge from nanofabrication, nanodevices, nanomechanics, Nanotribology, materials science, and reliability engineering in just one volume. Beside the presentation of nanostructures, micro/nanofabrication, and micro/nanodevices,... |
 | Materials Chemistry by Bradley D. Fahlman Winner of a 2008 Textbook Excellence Award from the Text and Academic Authors Association (TAA)!'Excellent, up-to-date discussion of many classes of materials. Concisely written, understandable with integration of real-world and historical references. Well-illustrated with judicious use of color. Extensive research sections for further study. As a biochemist/chemical educator, I found the text... |
 | Nanostructures and Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties & Applications by Guozhong Cao This important book focuses on the synthesis and fabrication of nanostructures and nanomaterials, but also includes properties and applications of nanostructures and nanomaterials, particularly inorganic nanomaterials. It provides balanced and comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals and processing techniques with regard to synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of... |
 | Nanomaterials Handbook Even before it was identified as a science and given a name, nanotechnology was the province of the most innovative inventors. In medieval times, craftsmen, ingeniously employing nanometer-sized gold particles, created the enchanting red hues found in the gold ruby glass of cathedral windows. Today, nanomaterials are being just as creatively used to improve old products, as well as usher in... |
 | Nanomaterials: Toxicity, Health and Environmental Issues (Nanotechnologies for the Life Sciences) Offering a unique overview of nanoparticle-related environmental risks depending on particle type and exposed surroundings, this volume brings together both medical and nanotechnological aspects. The book adopts an in-depth approach to toxicology from both particle size as well as particle nature, covering all important nanomaterial classes: carbon materials, polymers, metals, and metal oxides.... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |