Engineered Nanoscale Materials and Derivative Products: Regulatory Challenges
Abstract
Scientists and engineers are rapidly learning how to examine, design, and manipulate materials at the molecular level, termed nanoscale, between 1 and 100 billionths of a meter. The U.S. government has invested billions of dollars to ensure that American industry remains a global leader in the field, because the products of nanotechnology are seen to have great economic potential and offer possible solutions to national problems ranging from energy efficiency to detection of agents of biological warfare. Optimism about nanotechnology is tempered, however, by concerns about the unknown potential of nanoscale materials to harm the environment and human health. Some have called for federal regulation of potential environmental, human health, and safety (EHS) risks, arguing that the lack of federal EHS regulations increases the risks of unanticipated adverse consequences due to human or environmental exposure to engineered nanomaterials. The cost of such consequences would depend on their actual, as well as publically perceived, severity, frequency, and reversibility. The cost to the nanotechnology industry could be great, if consumers responded to a potential threat of harm by indiscriminately rejecting all products of nanotechnology, rather than the offending nanomaterial or an individual application. Others oppose federal regulatory requirements, arguing that they might unnecessarily delay the environmental, health, and economic rewards expected from nanotechnology. Questions about the need for, and ideal form of, nanotechnology regulations are exceedingly difficult to address, given the current state of scientific understanding of engineered nanoscale materials. The purpose of this report is to consider certain challenges faced by scientists, entrepreneurs, and officials in the 25 agencies involved in the National Nanotechnology Program, as they strive to define the characteristics of nanomaterials, the EHS risks they might pose, and any risks should be addressed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 22, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA476114
Entities
People
- Linda-jo Schierow
Organizations
- Library of Congress