Posted: February 19, 2008 |
Federal nanotechnology risk research plan still comes up short |
(Nanowerk News) An improved but still
flawed government-wide plan for nanotechnology risk research is the result
of a broken system. Federally funded studies essential to managing possible
risks from this cutting-edge technology should be guided by a top-down
strategy tied to projected commercialization, expected human and
environmental exposures, and the regulatory decision-making process.
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The National Nanotechnology Initiative's (NNI) Nanotechnology
Environmental and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group recently
released its strategy for nanotechnology environmental, health and safety
research. The strategy outlines an improved focus on risk research for more
than 20 federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC). Earlier drafts of the strategy received widespread
criticism from industry officials, policy experts and congressional
lawmakers for being merely a list of general nanotechnology risk research
categories. The new strategy makes substantial strides towards identifying
prioritized research needs and assigning lead agencies to address these
needs.
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Also just released, the new EPA Office of Research & Development
nanotechnology risk research plan appears to be in lock step with the NEHI
strategy. The EPA plan includes important studies on risk assessment
methods and life-cycle analysis to determine the eventual fate of
nanomaterials.
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But major hurdles still stand in the way of the public, industry and
government obtaining a better understanding of the risks posed by
nanomaterials -- and how to limit those risks. Necessary resources for
nanotechnology risk research are few and far between in relevant oversight
agencies such as the EPA, FDA and CPSC. In addition, a limited investment
by the NNI on occupational exposure research can only increase dangers to
those most susceptible -- workers.
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"The truth is that while the NEHI made significant strides in this
latest effort to present an improved nanotechnology risk research strategy,
only about five of the more than 240 identified risk research projects
focus on exposure assessment -- which directly affects workers. These are
the people who are on the front line and most likely to be exposed to
potentially hazardous nanomaterials," says David Rejeski, the director of
the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN).
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"The document also fails to employ a 'top-down,' strategic approach
aimed at directing funds and research at the places where there's likely to
be the most risk," according to Rejeski. "The NEHI structure and plan are
still broken. The plan is a collection of individual agency research
programs and not a strategic approach appropriate to a technology projected
to be incorporated into $2.6 trillion worth of products by 2014."
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An earlier analysis by PEN shows that in FY2005, the U.S. government
spent only about one percent of the overall $1.2 billion federal
nanotechnology research investment on highly relevant risk research. For
more information, see: http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/ehs.
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The current strategy suggests that things have improved, but according
to Rejeski "only 40% of the listed research projects are highly relevant to
understanding potential nanotechnology risks -- the remaining 60% have only
tangential relevance. Transparency over what is being done and what needs
to be done is essential to strategic planning. The cited $68 million
invested in nanotechnology risk research in fiscal year 2006 is an inflated
estimate of work that directly addresses the issues, and that can only
further confound the formulation of an effective strategic plan."
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The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies is an initiative launched by
the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and The Pew Charitable
Trusts in 2005. It is dedicated to helping business, government and the
public anticipate and manage possible health and environmental implications
of nanotechnology.
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The Pew Charitable Trusts (http://www.pewtrusts.org) is driven by the power of
knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a
rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public
and stimulate civic life. We partner with a diverse range of donors, public
and private organizations and concerned citizens who share our commitment
to fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society.
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The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is the living,
national memorial to President Wilson established by Congress in 1968 and
headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center establishes and maintains a
neutral forum for free, open, and informed dialogue. It is a nonpartisan
institution, supported by public and private funds and engaged in the study
of national and international affairs.
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