Sept. 30

The U.S. EPA has outlined a new research strategy to better understand the potential health and environmental risks of manufactured nanomaterials as well as nanotechnologies potential use in cleaning up the environment.

Nanomaterials measure between one and 100 nanometers and are used in hundreds of consumer products, including paint, sunscreen, cosmetics and sports equipment.

The EPA over the next several years plans on using government labs as well as outside labs to research nanotechnology. The government plans on awarding grants to encourage research.

EPA researchers want to identify any potential risks from using products containing these miniscule particles -- which can measure 1/100,000 the width of a human hair. Once any potential risks are identified, the EPA wants to develop a plan for minimizing those risks.

Additional information about the EPA´s nanotechnology research is available at www.epa.gov/nanoscience.

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Bruce Geiselman at 330-865-6172 or bgeiselman@crain.com

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