Originally published February 19 2006
Scientist believes new laws are needed to regulate nanotechnology
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Terry Davies, adviser to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, has authored a report that advocates changing laws to better regulate the existence of products using nanotechnology, though many opponents argue that existing laws are adequate.
From toothpaste to trousers, dozens of everyday products contain materials made through the blossoming science of nanotechnology _ but laws safeguarding the public's health and safety aren't developing nearly as quickly, according to a new report.
Few will say whether the nano materials, often hundreds of times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, are unquestionably safe or dangerous given the lack of definitive research into the matter.
However, Terry Davies, author of the report being released Wednesday, said it's time to start discussing changing laws _ and perhaps drafting new ones _ to identify and protect the public from any risks that may crop up in the future.
"The technology is new but it's not so new that it's not being commercialized," said Davies, a senior adviser to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and a former Environmental Protection Agency official.
Nanoscale materials, including particles used today in stain-resistant pants and suntan lotions, are generally less than 100 nanometers in diameter.
Nano boosters herald the potential for small-scale materials to have enormous effects on much of what we do, including develop drugs and sop up toxic pollution.
U.S. regulatory agencies, including the EPA and Food and Drug Administration, say their regulatory options are adequate to cover nano-engineered materials, said Clayton Teague, director of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office.
Laws like the Clean Water Act or Toxic Substances Control Act lack either the authority or resources _ or both _ to adequately address those sorts of peculiarities inherent to nanotechnology, Davies said.
Others, like the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, are probably adequate when it comes to governing the safety of nano materials in food and drugs, the report said.
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