March 12, 2011
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., “PEN Updates,” Nanotechnology Industries Association Newsletter, March 12, 2011.
On the 10th March 2011, the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN) announced that it had updated its nanotech consumer products inventory, and that it continues to grow to include over 1,300 manufacturer-identified, nanotechnology-enabled products that have entered the commercial marketplace around the world. The most recent update to the group’s five-year-old inventory reflects the continuing use of the nanoscale materials in everything from conventional products like sports equipment...
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) held a joint workshop in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘US-EU Bridging Nano EHS Research Efforts’ (10th – 11th March 2011). The workshop was intended to continue the robust dialogue between the United States (US) and European Union (EU) on issues of shared concern pertinent to nanotechnology research initiatives....
On December 17, 2010, the US National Organic Program (NOP) voted to accept the recommendation of the US National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to prohibit engineered nanomaterials from the production, processing, and packaging of certified organic products. The decision was made with little fanfare, but has big implications. ...
On May 19, 2011, the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER) Pesticides, Chemical Regulation, and Right-to-Know Committee will present a half-day webinar program on nano governance. Nanotechnology Industries Association’s intrepid leader, Dr. Steffi Friedrichs, is scheduled to present at this important program....
After more than three years of discussion, research, review, and debate, the United States Federal Trade Commission (US FTC) released proposed revisions to its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (the “Green Guides”) in late 2010. The Green Guides provide FTC “guidance” on what is and is not appropriate in the ever-fluid area of environmental marketing. They are designed to help product marketers avoid making false and misleading environmental claims that might violate...
On February 15, 2011, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised directive that provides enforcement guidance on determining whether employers have complied with OSHA’s personal protective equipment (PPE) standards. The Enforcement Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry, CPL 02-01-050, is the latest word from OSHA on PPE, and an important document for employers and employees alike....
February 24, 2011
Lynn L. Bergeson, “2010 Elections Could Impact EPA Programs,” Chemical Processing, December 2010.
The 2010 Congressional elections will likely significantly impact policy and legislative developments in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulation of chemicals and pesticides. The decline in the number of elected House Democratic members will make for some significant differences in EPA’s budget, legislative proposals and general operations. Meanwhile, some newly elected senators stridently oppose government expansion and want to rein in federal deficit spending,...
February 17, 2011
Lynn L. Bergeson, “Workplace Falls Get Fresh Attention,” Chemical Processing, August 2010.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tackling a major source of industrial injuries — slips, trips and falls on workplace surfaces. On May 24, OSHA proposed significant revisions to Subparts D and I of the general industry standards dealing with walking-working surfaces and personal protective equipment (PPE), respectively. This column outlines the reasons why OSHA believes changes are needed to protect workers, and key revisions to these standards....
February 11, 2011
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., “Nanotech and Jobs: Congress Weighs In,” Nanotechnology Industries Association Newsletter, February 11, 2011.
The new Republication-led House of Representatives has expressed its concerns with what it refers to as the adverse impact of regulations on jobs and the economy....