Research on nano danger inadequate: report

Jan 23, 2009

The federal government's plan for researching the health and environmental risks of nanomaterials has "serious weaknesses," according to a new report from the National Research Council. The committee that wrote the report examined what was necessary for an effective strategy to examine future uses of nanomaterials without negative impacts on human health or the environment.

According to the committee that produced the report, the government's current research strategy for future use lacks both an overarching strategy and goals to ensure the safe development and use of nanotechnologies. The current plan, developed by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, is also missing "crucial" elements for understanding safety and health impacts of nanomaterials, the report concluded.

The committee recommended a national strategic plan be developed with input from a variety of stakeholders, with a focus on research to support risk assessment and management.