1175002 - Nanosafety: Research and Regulations

Nanotechnologies have now found seamless niches in industrial and consumer materials and products. Nanomaterial-containing cosmetics, medicines, paints and coatings, structural composites and construction materials have now been developed and successfully used. Research continues to synthesize and find better production processes for the manufacture of nanomaterials, composites containing them. In parallel, nanosafety research and regulation development and deployment are continuing as well. In this panel session, we will focus on nanosafety. Nanosafety includes three main directions of effort: environmental safety, public health and safety, and occupational health and safety. The composition and different scenarios of use of nanotechnology-based materials and products determine their hazard potential for the environment and for human health. Exposure assessment and toxicological investigations are a major aspect of nanosafety examination for a given nanomaterial or nanoproduct. These are sometimes prescribed and detailed in the nanotechnology regulations. Protecting workers who may come in contact with nanomaterials and be exposed n te workplace requires a separate set of regulations issued by agencies responsible for occupational health and safety. Hazards are often significant as a potential for exposures to higher amounts of nanomaterials often exist in the workplace compared to end user application. A collaboration between all stakeholders is needed, including academic, industrial and government scientists, the regulatory agencies, and the NGOs. There are indications that a range of engineered nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, agglomerates of nanoparticles, and particles of nanostructured materials, present potential risks to human health and the environment. The panelists will make presentations in their respective fields of expertise: consulting and research. The topics covered will include the use of nanomaterials in environmental remediation, nanosafety, including assessment of nanotechnology-based consumer products, exposure to nanomaterials and advanced materials, sustainability consideration, engineering controls, and regulation of nanotechnology. The panelists will also discuss the current status of advanced materials in the industry and the actions moving toward green and sustainable manufacturing.