The EPA sharpens its focus on nanotechnology

September 2, 2009

For most of the last decade, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proceeded cautiously in exercising its regulatory authority over nanoscale materials. This caution was largely a reflection of EPA’s conclusion that the agency lacked sufficient information to assess whether regulations specifically directed at nanoscale materials were necessary. Accordingly, much of EPA’s focus over the past several years has been aimed at filling information gaps and gathering more data regarding the potential risks associated with nanomaterials, mostly through voluntary programs and agency-funded research. (Nanowerk)