GoodNanoGuide

Posted on June 4, 2009 by Robert Oszakiewski

Earlier this week, the International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON) at Rice University launched GoodNanoGuide, a website devoted to safety protocols for handling nanomaterials. The site has a "Basic" section for those who are just beginning to deal with nanomaterials, an "Intermediate" one for those with some knowledge but in need of more, and an "Advanced" section for the more experienced. At each level, there are links that are focused on specific topics, such as protecting workers using nanomaterials in an industrial setting.

The site is easy to navigate and provides much needed information. It's well worth taking a look at , whatever level one happens to be at.

For another short article about GoodNanoGuide, please look here.

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Nano EHS Database

Posted on November 11, 2008 by Michael E. Heintz

The International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON) just released its newest project/tool, the Nano-EHS Database Analysis Tool.  To quote ICON, "This web tool allows you to obtain a quick and thorough synopsis of our Environment, Health and Safety Database using two types of analysis. The first is a Simple Distribution Analysis (pie chart) which compares categories within a specified time range. The second type is a Time Progressive Distribution Analysis (histogram) which compares categories over a specified overall time range and data grouping period."  The report will generate data in pdf or xls format as well as a report on available publications based on search categories, such as material studied, target receptors, and type of publication.

While the Tool only tracks ICON's database, it will likely become a valuable resource for literature searches.  With the increased importance of regulatory schemes such as TSCA registrations, literature reviews will become more critical, even to smaller operations.  ICON's Tool will assist those entities, and others seeking wide ranging topics addressing nanotechnology or nanomaterials.

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ICON's Good Practices Wiki

Posted on June 19, 2008 by Michael E. Heintz

As we previously reported here, Rice University's International Council on Nanotechnology is starting a "Nano Good Practices Wiki."  Well, its moving along nicely, and they are now calling on occupational health experts and stakeholders to help start the building process. 

For information on the wiki and to participate in the survey process, go to ICON's website here and suggest away!  ICON would like to have the wiki up and running by the end of the year.

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ICON's "Good Practices Wiki"

Posted on May 8, 2008 by Michael E. Heintz
Our friends at Rice University's International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON) is proposing an idea that will essentially take the idea of "best practices" straight to the stakeholders in the form of a living document that is continually updated.  Through using a "wiki," ICON proposes creating a set of "good practices" that companies can update along the way with their own ideas and suggestions.

ICON's wiki, or a "collection of web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content, using a simplified markup language" as defined by Wikipedia, is expected to go live at the end of 2008, and targets the occupational safety context with three objectives:

  • Develop and launch a protected Internet site on occupational practices for the safe handling of nanomaterials using a wiki-software platform
  • Create a process wherein multiple stakeholders within the international community contribute, share and discuss information related to occupational safety
  • Establish a modern, interactive forum that fills the need for up-to-date information and remains current as new practices develop

This wiki, in my opinion, is a great idea who's time has come.  We've read, on several occasions, about the static "best practices" that have been released, the Nano Risk Framework being the most notable.  However, now that more and more companies are beginning to understand the issues surrounding nanotechnology, and the potential risks posed from an occupational health standpoint, this wiki can be a way for stakeholders to directly communicate with each other to share information quickly and easily. 

Keep an eye on what ICON releases later this year (I'll certainly be updating this information as it becomes available), it will be interesting to see direct input from stakeholders who are addressing these issues daily.
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