Getting it right the first time: developing nanotechnology while protecting workers, public health, and the...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology and Materials Science
• Risk Assessment and Environmental Health

Background:

• Nanotechnology involves manipulating matter at the atomic scale, with products already entering the consumer market.
• Emerging nanomaterial properties challenge existing methods for hazard determination, exposure assessment, and risk control.
• Current regulatory tools and policies are insufficient to address the unique risks posed by nanomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the urgent need for increased federal investment in nanomaterial risk research.
• To advocate for the rapid development and implementation of voluntary standards of care.
• To emphasize the necessity of global regulatory safeguards for responsible nanotechnology development.

Main Methods:

• Review of current limitations in regulatory frameworks for nanotechnology.
• Analysis of the need for enhanced federal funding for nanomaterial risk research.
• Assessment of the status and requirements for voluntary standards and global regulations.

Main Results:

• Current risk assessment and control methods are inadequate for novel nanomaterial properties.
• A significant increase in federal funding for nanomaterial risk research is recommended (at least $100 million annually).
• Voluntary programs are evolving, but their outcomes remain uncertain, necessitating further regulatory development.

Conclusions:

• Increased federal investment in nanomaterial risk research is essential.
• Development and implementation of voluntary standards are needed pending robust regulatory safeguards.
• Globally harmonized regulations are ultimately required to ensure a level playing field and protect human health and the environment.