EPA's Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program Receives New Submissions

Posted on July 25, 2008 by John C. Monica, Jr.

The first phase of EPA's voluntary Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program (NMSP) closes on Monday.  For those keeping track, the most up-to-date NMSP participation statistics as of July 24, 2008 follow.  It is shaping up to be a very respectable list of participants.

Submissions Under Basic Program: (9 submissions - covering 68 nanoscale materials) DuPont; Nanophase Technologies Corporation; Nantero; Office ZPI; Quantum Sphere; Strem Chemicals; Swan Chemicals Inc.; Unidym; and one Confidential Business Information Submission.

Commitments to Submit Information Under Basic Program: (11) Arkema; BASF Corporation; Bayer Material Science; Dow Chemical; Evonik/Degussa; General Electric; International Carbon Black Association; Nanocyl North America; PPG Industries; Sasol North America; and Synthetic Amorphous Silica and Silicate Industry Association.

Commitments to Participate in the In-Depth Program: (2) Swan Chemicals Inc.; and Unidym.
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PPG Joins NMSP

Posted on March 24, 2008 by Michael E. Heintz
Despite the "alphabet soup" PPG Industries announced today that it will participate in EPA's "basic program" for the Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program.  PPG will "voluntarily report available information on engineered nanoscale materials it manufactures, imports or uses. These data include information on material characterization, hazard, use, potential exposures and risk-management practices."

In its commitment letter to US EPA, PPG stated that "early and active industry participation in the NMSP can help ensure the responsible development, use and acceptance of nanoscale materials in the marketplace."  PPG uses nanomaterials and conducts nanotechnology research as part of its product development process associated with glass and composites, such as films and reflective materials.

PPG is just the latest company to join the NMSP, following DuPont's lead.  Indications are that if companies continue to join the NMSP then it will remain a voluntary program.  However, EPA has stated that it will consider making the reporting obligations mandatory should the program not develop adequately under the voluntary make-up.
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