ISO Publishes Nanotechnology Definition

Posted on September 26, 2008 by Michael E. Heintz

Nanowerk is reporting that the International Standards Organization (ISO) completed its first step in developing standards for nanotechnology regulation.  The definitions are revealed in ISO/TS 27687:2008, Nanotechnologies – Terminology.  

The three main materials covered by this first set of definitions and terminology are: 

  • Nanoparticle;
  • Nanofibre; and
  • Nanoplate.

ISO expects this release to be the first of a series of standards for definitions and terms related to the nanotechnology sector.

Because ISO sells the standards it releases (56 CHF (Swiss Francs), about 51USD), publishing the definitions and other portions of the release would be inappropriate here.  However, it is encouraging to see the first results of ISO's three year (and counting) effort to establish standards for the sector.  As we've opined before, meaningful regulation cannot occur without a standardized set of definitions and language.  However, the release of additional definitions now begins to raise the next question/problem: resolving the competing standards in an effort to have standardization in the sector in order to provide certainty when regulation begins.
Tags: , , , ,

UPDATE: Berkeley City Council to Consider Nanotechnology Regulation

Posted on December 6, 2006 by Michael E. Heintz
On December 5, 2006 the Berkeley, California City Council began considering two municipal code amendments directly addressing manufactured nanoparticles.  As reported here earlier, the ordinance will amend two portions of the Berkeley Municipal Code, sections 15.12.040 and 15.12.050, to include reporting requirements for manufactured nanoparticles.  Those required to report are all "facilities" who produce or use manufactured nanoparticles.  The amendments call for written disclosure of "the current toxicology of the materials reported, to the extent known,and how the facility will safely handle, monitor, contain, dispose, tract inventory, prevent releases, and mitigate such materials."  The amendment further defines nanoparticles subject to disclosure as those "with one axis less than 100 nanometers in length."  If passed, after the required subsequent readings by Council and a vote, this will be the first known regulation aimed specifically at manufactured nanoparticles by a local government.
Tags: , , , , ,

Altairnano Provides EHS Example

Posted on December 4, 2006 by John C. Monica, Jr.

At today’s session of the International Conference on Nanotechnology Occupational & Environmental Health & Safety in Cincinnati, Ohio, Altairnano President and CEO -- Alan Gotcher -- and Health Safety and Environment Facilitator -- Tabitha Maher -- both gave presentations regarding Altairnano’s environmental, health, and safety (EHS) efforts centered around the company’s use of nanomaterials.

Altairnano is an 80 employee company with facilities in Reno, Nevada, and Anderson, Indiana. The company uses conglomerates of sphere-shaped metal oxide nanoparticles in the production of its products aimed a four (4) markets: power systems; pigments; drug campaigns; and performance materials.

Gotcher made a convincing business case for the early implementation of EHS programs by smaller, start-up nanotechnology companies in order to attract and maintain the best talent, address public perceptions of nanotechnology, prepare for possible product liability lawsuits, and to act before possible regulation hinders market entry of products. Gotcher indicated that in an effort to be highly proactive on nano-related EHS issues, Altairnano hired a full-time industrial hygienist approximately 18 months ago as its 31st employee, and budgets over $500,000 per year on EHS efforts. The company also opened its facilities to NIOSH for extensive ambient nanoparticle measurements, and used the resulting data to help structure the its EHS efforts. Gotcher advocated proactive, open, and honest communication with employees, third-parties, and the public about the various known and unknown risks surrounding Altairnano’s use of nanomaterials.

Maher provided insight regarding Altairnano’s EHS efforts that even start-up nanotechnology companies should consider implementing when faced with limited initial budgets. To this end, she explained the company’s extensive use of fume hoods, protective clothing, HEPA respirators, employee training, and workplace cleanliness efforts to reduce worker exposure. Maher drove home the point that every nanocompany can make at least some EHS-related efforts and should do so as early as possible as part of a good business model.

Gotcher and Maher also indicated that Altairnano had recently embarked upon its own animal toxicity studies to supplement its EHS efforts. Remarkably, all of these steps have been undertaken even though the company has yet to post a profit. Altairnano has a modest section on its website regarding its EHS efforts.
Tags: , , , ,

Berkeley City Council to Consider Nanotechnology Regulation

Posted on November 29, 2006 by Michael E. Heintz
On December 5, 2006 the Berkeley, California City Council will have its first reading of an ordinance to amend its municipal laws to included specific regulation of nanoparticles.  If passed, this would be the first known instance of nanoparticle regulation at the local level.

The draft agenda for Council's December 5 meeting includes, as "new business," a first reading of an ordinance entitled "Manufactured Nanoparticle Health and Safety Disclosure."  This ordinance is an amendment to Berkeley Municipal Code Sections 15.12.040 and 15.12.050, addressing disclosure requirements for hazardous materials and waste management.  Those immediately impacted include the University of California-Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, both of which conduct nanotechnology research within Berkeley City Limits.  The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the amendment  is being urged by the Community Environmental Advisory Committee "because so little is understood about the possible impact of the materials on human health."

The draft ordinance is also asking that letters be sent to elected officials asking them to earmark a percentage of funds included in the National Nanotechnology Initiative's annual budget for health and safety research.

Updates on the progress of this ordinance will be posted as they become available.
Tags: , , , , , , ,