On April 21, 2011, the United Kingdom’s (UK) Food Standards Agency (FSA) published a report of consumers’ views on the use of nanotechnology in food and food packaging. FSA convened a focus group in late 2010 and early 2011, and asked participants about their views on nanotechnology. According to FSA, the main findings are that: Participants’ reactions to nanotechnology and food reflected a variety of concerns. These included whether this was a necessary development,...
April 26, 2011
Scientists Investigate Behavior of Metallic Silver Nanoparticles in a Pilot Wastewater Treatment Plant
Environmental Science & Technology posted on April 5, 2011, an article entitled “Behavior of Metallic Silver Nanoparticles in a Pilot Wastewater Treatment Plant.” The abstract states: We investigated the behavior of metallic silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) in a pilot wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) fed with municipal wastewater. The treatment plant consisted of a nonaerated and an aerated tank and a secondary clarifier. The average hydraulic retention time including...
April 25, 2011
Study Assesses Exposure in Workplaces Manufacturing Nanosized Titanium Dioxide and Silver
Inhalation Toxicology has published an article entitled “Exposure assessment of workplace manufacturing nanosized TiO2 and silver,” which monitored the possible exposure to nanoparticles at workplaces that manufacture nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) and nano-silver. The abstract states: To estimate the potential exposure of workers, personal sampling, area monitoring, and real-time monitoring using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and dust monitor were conducted at...
The April 22, 2011, issue of Inside EPA quotes Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.'s April 18, 2011, memorandum regarding Senator Lautenberg's (D-NJ) Safe Chemicals Act of 2011.
On April 12, 2011, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) issued a statement entitled “Safety of Nano Silver in Consumer Products: Many Questions Remain Open,” which reports BfR’s conclusions from a February 2011 workshop discussing existing risks and possible options for comprehensive consumer protection from nanosilver. According to BfR, “the situation continues to be characterised by the fact that not enough secured scientific findings about the specific effects of...
On April 14, 2011, the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing entitled 'Nanotechnology: Oversight of the National Nanotechnology Initiative and Priorities for the Future.' According to the hearing charter, the purpose of the hearing was to examine the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) and address the Nation's research and development priorities for the future.
April 20, 2011
Lynn L. Bergeson Will Moderate Panel on International and State Regulatory Programs and Strategies for Addressing Nanoscale Materials
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C), The Acta Group, L.L.C. (Acta), and The Acta Group EU, Ltd (Acta EU) are pleased to announce that on May 19, 2011, Lynn L. Bergeson will moderate a panel discussing key nanotechnology-related international and state regulatory programs during a "quick teleconference" program sponsored by the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources entitled Nano Governance: The Current State of Federal, State, and International...
April 20, 2011
SAICM Secretariat Seeks Input for Report
The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Secretariat seeks input from stakeholders by May 1, 2011, for a forthcoming report on nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials, which will focus on issues relevant to developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The report will include ten sections, covering beneficial uses of nanomaterials for health and the environment; economic and social impact; and work of international organizations. A...
On April 14, 2011, Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011, which is intended to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to require chemical companies to demonstrate the safety of industrial chemicals and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate safety based on the best available science. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Barbara Boxer (D-CA). Lautenberg previously introduced...
In an April 14, 2011, article, Inside EPA quotes Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.'s April 14, 2011, memorandum regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) chemical action plans for MDI, TDI, and related compounds.