In my most recent entry, I noted that the National Academies would be releasing a report by the end of January that focuses on researching the health and safety aspects of nanotechnology. The report, A Research Strategy for Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials, was released January 25 in prepublication (i.e. uncorrected) copy. A download, with significant restrictions, is available at http://www.nas.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13347
The study was initiated by EPA, which asked the National Research Council of the National Academies to conduct an independent study with the goal of developing a research strategy. The report sets forth a conceptual framework for research on the environmental, health, and safety impacts of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs).
The report explains why ENMs are difficult to place into a system of risk analysis. In this blog, I’ve discussed the fact that the tiny size of nanomaterials gives them characteristics and risks different from the same materials in larger dimensions. The report points out the vast diversity of characteristics of ENMs, as well as the fact that those characteristics may behave differently depending upon the environment in which the materials are located, including changing characteristics as the nanoparticles migrate. Furthermore, the uncertainty about risks in all sectors – among developers, regulators, and consumers – demands a uniform strategy for assessing risks. The report points out that little research has been done to date, notwithstanding the fact that even more complex ENMs will soon be available.
In other words, we needed a research protocol for identifying, analyzing, and managing the environmental, health, and safety hazards of ENMs yesterday.
One of the most significant points made in the report was the identification of “critical research gaps” that must be addressed. Examples of some of the gaps:
More is known about inhalation risks than other routes of exposure because of earlier research on the effects of particle inhalation on the human body.
Basic information is lacking on the chemical and physical properties of the ENMs currently out there.
Gaps in knowledge exist regarding how ENMs move through and interact with the human body and in the environment.
How research is conducted in the laboratory must be modified to provide accurate information about the risks. Standard testing protocols must be developed.
The report goes on, and in the months to come I will look at various aspects of the report in individual posts on this blog.
Consistent with its findings, the report recommended changing the structure of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), which is too vast and fragmented to be effective in the ways that are critical. The NNI’s authority covers essentially only coordination functions. The report recommends that the entity that manages and implements the report’s strategy be one with “top-down” management and budget authority over the research. This may not be the NNI at all. The report notes that the NNI’s objective of promoting the development and uses of nanomaterials may conflict with its role in identifying and appropriately managing the risks of the technology. Accordingly, the report recommends separating those objectives and restructuring the NNI.
It’s another beginning. The follow-up report, in which the committee promised to assess progress toward the goals set forth in this report, isn’t due for a couple of years. In the meantime, ENMs will continue to proliferate. My recommendation is that all sectors exercise all due caution until more is known.
