Traditional methods can be used to assess risks from nanomaterials, OECD conference speakers say
According to speakers at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)'s workshop on risk assessment of manufactured nanomaterials, held from the 16th – 18th September 2009, there may be more environmental, health, and safety data than people realise for some nanomaterials.
The workshop was designed to provide advice to a steering group that is developing a report on the risk assessment of nanomaterials. Information, from government and industry scientists, was presented to the participants on the hazards of and exposures to the nanoscale materials titanium dioxide, silver and carbon nanotubes.
Eileen Kuempel, a Senior Scientist with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), said "[S]tandard methods for hazard and risk assessment using toxicology data are available and appear feasible."
Jeffrey Morris, National Program Director for nanotechnology with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s research office, agreed with Kuemper, but said some of these tools may need to be adapted.
A Swiss company that makes textiles that use silver to kill bacteria, urged the participants to use the extensive body of historic data for silver nanoparticles, which shows the substance has been used safely for decades.
In addition to these discussions, other industry and government scientists reported on their latest research into nanoscale materials.
Source: Meridian Nanotechnology and Development News