NRDC and nano

NRDC proposes a three-part framework for regulating nanomaterials based on a precautionary approach to managing toxic chemicals:

• Prohibit the untested or unsafe use of nanomaterials. Because preliminary data demonstrates the potential for toxicity, unsafe or untested nanomaterials should not be used in a manner that may result in human exposures or environmental releases over the lifecycle of the material.
• Conduct full lifecycle environment, health, and safety impact assessments as a prerequisite to commercialization. Robust testing is urgently needed to identify potential risks early in development, across the lifecycle of the material. The results of testing should made available to the public.
• Facilitate full and meaningful participation by public and workers in nanotechnologies development and control; consider the social and ethical impacts of nanotechnologies. The potential of nanotechnologies to transform the global social, economic, and political landscape means we must move the decision-making out of corporate boardrooms and into the public realm.

The EPA has thus far authorized commercialization of fifteen new nano-scale chemicals, though limited information is available to the public because of statutory protections afforded to manufacturers who claim even basic data are, “confidential business information”. Even the names of the nano-scale materials and the names of the manufacturers are being withheld. Precautionary regulation of these still-untested and potentially harmful nanomaterials must move quickly to catch up to the technologies that are generating them, and to ensure safety for consumers and workers in advance of commercialization.