Tag: nanotechnology
-
James O’Reilly, “Nano’s Dirty Little Secret: Industrial Users of Nanotechnology Should Start Developing a Daubert Strategy and Liability Defenses,” BNA Product Safety & Liability Reporter, February 2009
University of Cincinnati College of Law Professor James O’Reilly recommends that defense lawyers begin preparing now for a reasonably predictable wave of litigation involving exposures to nano-sized materials that are being used in increasing number in a variety of foods and other products. According to O’Reilly, defense lawyers should be partnering with the health, safety…
-
Elizabeth Nord, “Top 10 Reasons for Using Nanotech in Food,” Discovery.com, February 20, 2009
This article explores recent nanotechnology innovations designed to “extend food shelf life, add health benefits, impact flavor or even signal bacteria contamination,” likening current public concern to the mishandled controversy over genetically modified crops. According to the article, “the top ten reasons why we should continue the conversation about using nanotechnology in food” include cutting-edge…
-
House of Lords Creates Subcommittee on Nanotechnology and Food
The House of Lords Science & Technology Committee has created a subcommittee to investigate the use of nanotechnology in the food sector. Led by Lord John Richard Krebs, the inquiry will focus on food products, additives and supplements; food contact packaging; food processing; animal feed; pesticides and fertilizers; and food containers and utensils. “We intend…
-
California’s Request for Nanotech Information Provokes Concerns
In late January 2009, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control sent a letter to more than two dozen businesses and research centers “requiring information regarding analytical test methods, fate and transport in the environment, and other relevant information from manufacturers of carbon nanotubes.” Among the specific questions the agency posed are (i) “What is the…
-
Public Forum to Target Safety of Exposure to Nanoscale Materials; EPA Gathers Data; Shareholders Urge Disclosure of Nanomaterials in Personal Care and Food Products
The NNCO has announced that a public forum will be held in Bethesda, Maryland, February 24-25, 2009, “to discuss the state-of-the-art of the science related to environmental, health, and safety aspects of engineered nanoscale materials in the area of human and environmental exposure assessment.” Workshop participants will also “discuss the path forward for addressing research…
-
Cal/EPA Air Resources Board Solicits Research Concepts
The Air Resources Board (ARB) of California’s Environmental Protection Agency has published a request for research concepts for its 2009-2010 annual research plan. Among the general areas of research that ARB would like to fund are issues related to agriculture and to health and exposure. The deadline for concept submissions is January 20, 2009. Due…
-
ISO Publishes Technical Report on Safe Handling of Nanotechnology in the Workplace
An ISO technical committee focusing on nanotechnology issues has developed a technical report (ISO/TR 12885:2008) that provides “advice for companies, researchers, workers and other people to prevent adverse health and safety consequences during the production, handling, use and disposal of manufactured nanomaterials.” Titled Health and Safety Practices in Occupational Settings Relevant to Nanotechnologies, the report…
-
California Science Panel Considers Substances to Monitor in Humans
The California Environmental Contaminant Biomonitoring Program’s Scientific Guidance Panel decided at a December 4-5, 2008, meeting that it would designate diesel exhaust and flame retardants as the first substances the state will monitor in humans under a 2006 law (SB 1379) requiring the establishment of a state biomonitoring program. The panel also reportedly agreed that the…