Nano-Enabled Technologies and TSCA Chemical Reform
Posted February 15, 2011 in Green Enterprise, Health and the Environment, Moving Beyond Oil
Spray-on nanotech solar panels? How cool would that be! Be the first on your block to have this promising new nano-enabled solar paint sprayed on your house roof, walls, and maybe even windows. Futuristic? Definitely. Exciting? Of course! Safety tested? Not! Environmental impacts? Unknown.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin are getting ahead with the development of this innovative nano-technology using 'CIGS' - copper, indium, gallium, and selenide chemicals to make a dispersive ink or paint that could capture and convert the sun's energy. [normally, I don't plug a link, but the CIGS link above is really cool]
But, Congress is falling behind on developing a regulatory framework for new chemicals that includes testing for potential adverse health impacts, environmental impacts, toxicity, and exposure.
Without effective reform of our chemical laws, TSCA - the Toxic Substances Control Act - we cannot assure the public that new chemicals will be marketed in a way that maximizes their advantages, but minimizes their risks.
Here is what EPA says about why we need TSCA reform. Support EPA in its effort to protect your health and safety by evaluating new chemicals before they are sprayed all over your house!
More on TSCA reform here at Safer Chemicals Health Families and here at takeouttoxics.org
