FDA Newsletter

[Sadsack]

Congress, EPA Step Up Efforts on Nanotechnology Research

FDAnews Device Daily Bulletin
Jan. 28, 2009 | Vol. 6 No. 18



Congress, EPA Step Up Efforts on Nanotechnology Research
Given how little is known about the risks of nanotechnology, Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are pushing for more transparency in this emerging field. The House Science and Technology Committee recently introduced a bill seeking to influence private sector investments in nanotechnology. The National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009 is intended to make federal research efforts transparent so as to increase understanding of the risks involved.

[carla]

Whats that saying, about a horse bolting?
All the transparency in the world isn't going to reverse or stop the damage Nanotechnology is doing and they know it.

[Sadsack]

Well, Carla - If this stuff can be self-replicating, as much of the literature states, I would have to agree. Just MAYBE this new bill (which actually goes further than increasing the transparency) will uncover the hidden dangers.
In the meantime, if they require labeling of products containing nanomaterials (cosmetics, cleaning products, vitamins, etc - over 800 currently commercially available) at least we will have a choice.
It parallels the failure to require GMO foods from labelling.
You really have to wonder WHY, if these substances are viewed with such suspicion in terms of their safety, the legislation is not in place to allow the consumer the choice.
All I can say is - "glad I'm 60 and not 20".
SS

[Kritters]

ditto on the age thing SS! I only worry about my family now. (and of course my Morgie family ;-)
Kritts

[Sadsack]

World's first mandatory national nanotech rule pending (1/29/2009)

World's first mandatory national nanotech rule pending (1/29/2009)
Tags:
nanomaterials, politics, safety


The Canadian government reportedly is planning to release in February the world's first national regulation requiring companies to detail their use of engineered nanomaterials, according to environmental officials. The information gathered under the requirement will be used to evaluate the risks of engineered nanomaterials and will help to develop appropriate safety measures to protect human health and the environment.

Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN) experts have been urging increased oversight of nanotechnologies in recent years, and note the move by the Canadian government is a significant step for consumer and environmental protection

"Nanotechnology is developing rapidly. People and the environment are being increasingly exposed to new nanomaterials. Yet governments lack information on the type, quantity and possible risks of nanoscale materials being manufactured and used in products today. This is information that is vital to ensuring the safe use of nanotechnology," according to Andrew Maynard, chief science advisor for PEN. "This decision by Canada-to establish the world's first national mandatory nanoscale materials reporting program for companies-is an important step toward ensuring that nanotechnology regulation is driven by accurate information and high-quality science."

Canada's action comes shortly after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an interim report on its Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program, a voluntary information submission program that has received limited industry participation. The EPA report notes the lack of data the program garnered and says the agency will consider how best to use the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to gather more risk data. Previous studies by PEN experts have concluded that TSCA is "extremely deficient," and that EPA has not effectively used the tools it has under that law to address nanotechnology, keeping the agency from identifying which substances are nanomaterials and whether they pose a hazard.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies

[faithinacure]

Sadsack:

Thanks for this thread. Wow.

Faithxoxoxoxo