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A comprehensive environmental assessment approach to engineered nanomaterials
1Independent Consultant, Pittsboro, NC, USA. Davis.Jmichael@mindspring.com
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology
|December 21, 2012
Summary
Comprehensive environmental assessment (CEA) helps weigh engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) benefits against risks. This meta-assessment approach prioritizes research and supports risk management for ENMs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Risk Assessment
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) offer benefits but pose potential environmental risks.
- Evaluating these trade-offs requires a systematic approach.
- Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (CEA) offers a framework for this evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce Comprehensive Environmental Assessment (CEA) as a meta-assessment tool for engineered nanomaterials (ENMs).
- To illustrate CEA's application in prioritizing research directions for ENMs.
- To discuss CEA in the context of sustainability, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
Main Methods:
- CEA framework for organizing information and collective judgment.
- Meta-assessment approach building on existing risk assessment tools.
- Case studies of selected ENM applications to demonstrate CEA implementation.
Main Results:
- CEA effectively identifies and prioritizes issues associated with ENMs.
- Case studies show CEA guiding research efforts for ENM assessment.
- CEA facilitates discussion on sustainability, transparency, and stakeholder engagement for ENMs.
Conclusions:
- CEA is a valuable tool for understanding ENM trade-offs.
- Its current primary use is in directing research for immature ENM science.
- CEA can support future risk management and assessment efforts for ENMs.
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