| Posted: March 30, 2007 |
Nanotechnology and the regulatory framework for nanopesticides |
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(Nanowerk News) The American Bar Association (ABA) is hosting Program Five in its Nanotechnology Teleconference Series this afternoon. Title: "Nanotechnology and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act".
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One of the most exciting new developments in pesticides is the prospect of nanopesticides. Nanotechnology is expected to be used to develop pesticides with new or enhanced activity, or more targeted application (such as through microencapsulation or affinity for specific target pests). Some consumer products are already being marketed as using silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity. EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs has already formed a Nanotechnology Work Group to develop a regulatory framework for nanopesticides.
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This is the fifth in a series of eight quick teleconferences (QTs) in the nano QT series. It will address some of the questions that arise as EPA prepares to receive applications for nanotechnology-based pesticides. Some relate to EPA policy on reviewing those applications, the need for nanotechnology-specific data requirements, and what should be done with products making nanopesticidal claims that are already on the market. The session will also address broader policy issues concerning the registration and use of nanopesticides.
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In May 2006, ABA released a paper titled "The Adequacy of FIFRA to Regulate Nanotechnology-Based Pesticides" that addessed the issue whether FIFRA, the U.S. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, could be applied to nanopesticides, for instance whether use of a nanoscale material results in a change to a pesticide product already registered under FIFRA.
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