EMERGNANO Released

Posted on April 15, 2009 by Michael E. Heintz

Yesterday, Safenano and Defra, UK Government Department for Food & Rural Affairs, released EMERGNANO, the first global review of environmental, health, and safety studies examining the risks of nanotechnology exposure (essentially a study of the ongoing studies).  The review examined more than 250, from approximately 670, studies in the context of the 18 Research Objectives defined by the UK's Nanotechnology Research Coordination Group.  The project's goal was to conduct "a detailed review and analysis of research carried out worldwide on Environment, Health and Safety aspects of engineered nanoparticles, including issues relating to hazard, exposure and risk assessment and regulation, and made an assessment of how far 18 of the [Research Objectives] have been met and which gaps still remain to be filled."

Providing comprehensive reviews and analyses of EHS research to determine exposure risks is another important step in determining the potential risks of engineered nanomaterials.  This review is also likely to help fame future research studies in terms of effectiveness and need.

The full EMERGNANO report is available here.  In addition, a condensed version is also available as well as commentary by EMERGNANO authors.

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Welcome to SAFENANO.org

Posted on August 24, 2007 by Michael E. Heintz

In the ever growing world of nanotechnology information and research, and new system was launched earlier this week.  SAFENANO is attempting to become "the UK's premier resource on nanotechnology hazard and risk."  It is managed by the United Kingdom's Institute for Occupational Medicine located in Edinburgh, Scotland.

SAFENANO will serve as a clearinghouse for "collecting, interpreting, and disseminating the emerging scientific issues on nanotechnology," and will feature "the latest scientific research, information about good practice, standards, news, events, and articles from leading opinion formers in industry, government and academia in the UK and world wide. It includes a regular bulletin service, comprehensive database of relevant publications, and a community site where users can share information about common challenges and their solutions on a global basis."

SAFENANO's ultimate goal is to provide unbiased information to help with the "safe and responsible development" and commercialization of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials.

While still new to the arena, increased, and easily accessible, information on nanotechnology developments is a worthwhile venture. A quick look at SAFENANO's website shows they are watching all facets of nanotechnology developments worldwide, and could easily serve as a central information point once fully developed. This is a site worth keeping an eye on.
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