Regulators Say They Lack Consensus-Based Standards for Key Aspects of Nanomaterials

Summary posted by Meridian on 12/16/2011

Source: The Bureau of National Affairs Daily Environment Report (15 Dec 2011)

Author(s): Pat Rizzuto

At a workshop, “The International Workshop on Challenges to Increased Use of Documentary Nanotechnology Standards”, held last week, regulators said they lack consensus-based standards for key aspects of nanomaterials. The lack of standards means the often cannot interpret the results of toxicity tests, and, officials added, they are often not even sure what to call some of the products they review. The workshop, which was organized by the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), aimed to encourage broader use of nanotechnology standards, identify barriers to their adoption, as well as explore ways diverse parties can collaborate on the development and use of such standards. Maria Doa, the director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chemical Control Division, said, “EPA has an immediate need for standards.” Participants discussed the many reasons for the apparent disconnect between the need for standards and the utilization of them, while noting the complexity of nanotechnology in general, and its many applications. This complexity implies that many different types of standards are needed for these diverse applications. Mary Saunders, the director of NIST’s Standards Coordination Office, said one concern noted throughout the meeting was the mismatch between what regulators and other entities need and the standards being developed by various organizations. Saunders said NIST would be working on this mismatch. Other participants voiced concern over the lack of volunteers from industry, consumer organizations, and other groups who can devote the time needed to develop consensus-based standards.

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