[nanoPost] NEWS ITEM: Nanotechnologies: Gaps in the Regulatory Framework

Nanomaterials are used in a wide variety of applications (e.g. pharmaceutical, food and consumer products) and technologies (e.g. information and communication, energy and transport technology).

However, current knowledge on the risks associated with this new technology is as yet undefined. Due to the lack of current awareness about the likely impacts of nanotechnology, the potential risks from free, engineered nanoscale materials need to be encompassed within regulatory structures. Yet, our current regulatory framework governing new materials and products coming onto the market was designed to regulate traditional technologies and materials.

A report http://www.brass.cf.ac.uk/uploads/NanotechPBD.pdf produced by BRASS considered whether our current regulatory framework is sufficient to regulate the development, manufacture, supply, use and end of life of free engineered nanoparticles.