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Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research (2009)

Chapter: 1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy

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Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
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Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
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Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 15
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 16
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 17
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 18
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 19
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 20
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 21
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 22
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 23
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 24
Suggested Citation:"1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy." National Research Council. 2009. Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12559.
×
Page 25

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1 The National Nanotechnology Initiative and the Genesis of the Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy Nanotechnology consists of several enabling technologies that take advan- tage of unique properties of extremely tiny structures in applications ranging from medicine to electronics to material science. Research in nanotechnology is based on understanding the physical and chemical properties of materials at the level of molecules or complexes of molecules, or atomic clusters with the goal to be able to manipulate those properties. Nanotechnology is not simply about small particles, materials, or products and is defined by the federal government as including the following three factors (NSET 2008a): • Research and technology development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular levels on a length scale of about 1-100 nm (a nanometer is one- billionth of a meter—too small to be seen with a conventional optical micro- scope). • Creation and use of structures, devices, and systems that have novel properties and functions because they are small or of intermediate size, specifi- cally, at the level of atoms and molecules. • Ability to control or manipulate materials on an atomic scale. In the middle 1990s, as better methods for the characterization, process- ing, and manipulation of matter on the nanoscale were being developed in re- search programs supported by federal science and technology agencies, the agencies began holding informal discussions on a common vision for nanotech- nology. The interagency dialogue culminated in the establishment in 2000 of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI)—Box 1-1 details some of the history of the establishment of the initiative. The NNI serves strictly as a coordination mechanism for government agencies that support nanoscale research, such as the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, or that have a stake 13

14 Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology BOX 1-1 A Brief History of the National Nanotechnology Initiative In September 1998, an interagency dialogue on nanotechnology was formalized as the Interagency Working Group on Nanotechnology (IWGN). Established under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the IWGN developed a num- ber of reports on a long-term vision for nanoscale research and develop- ment (R&D), on international benchmarking of nanotechnology, and on U.S. government investment in nanotechnology R&D (Siegel et al. 1999; Roco et al. 2001). In March 1999, IWGN representatives proposed a nanotechnol- ogy initiative with a budget of a half-billion dollars for FY 2001 (Roco 2004). In November 2000, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) was for- mally established, and preparations were begun for a coordinated federal investment in nanoscale R&D. In August 2000, as the NNI proposal matured, the NSTC established the Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) Subcommit- tee to replace the IWGN. The NSET Subcommittee was tasked with imple- menting the NNI by coordinating with federal agencies and R&D programs. Beginning with eight agencies in 2001, the subcommittee now comprises representatives of over 25 federal departments and agencies and officials of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the White House Office of Management and Budget. In January 2001, the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) was established to provide daily technical and administrative sup- port to the NSET Subcommittee and to assist in multiagency planning and the preparation of budgets and program-assessment documents. The NNCO was also tasked with assisting the NSET Subcommittee with the collection and dissemination of information on industry, state, and interna- tional nanoscale science and technology research, development, and com- mercialization activities (NRC 2002). The NNCO provides technical guid- ance and administrative support, organizes monthly NSET Subcommittee meetings, conducts workshops, and prepares information and reports, serv- ing as a point of contact and helping to facilitate communication. in the outcomes of nanoscale research, such as the Food and Drug Administra- tion (FDA) and the Department of Justice. Under the broad umbrella of the ini- tiative, each participating agency invests in projects and programs in support of its own mission. The NNI consists of individual and cooperative nanotechnol- ogy-related activities of 25 federal agencies with a wide array of research and regulatory responsibilities. The NNI itself does not fund research, and its budget is equal to the sum of the amounts at which member agencies fund their individ- ual or joint nanotechnology-related programs and projects. Therefore, the NNI has no authority to make budgetary or funding decisions; it relies on the budgets of its member agencies. The goals of the NNI are as follows (NSET 2008a):

NNI and the Genesis of the EHS Strategy 15 • Advance a world-class nanotechnology research and development pro- gram. • Foster the transfer of new technologies into products for commercial and public benefit. • Develop and sustain educational resources, a skilled workforce, and the supporting infrastructure and tools to advance nanotechnology. • Support responsible development of nanotechnology. The NNI’s primary coordination mechanism is the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee (NSET 2008a). Through the operation of the NSET Sub- committee and subordinate structures of the NNI, the initiative addresses the general goals of supporting the missions of the participating agencies; ensuring continuing leadership by the United States in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology; and contributing to the nation’s economic competitiveness. In 2003, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (Public Law 108-153) was signed into law. The legislation established the NNI’s operating structures and required that the president establish or designate an advisory panel with a membership qualified to provide advice and information on nanotechnology research, development, demonstrations, education, technol- ogy transfer, commercial applications, and societal and ethical concerns.1 The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) was as- signed by the president to play such a role. Figure 1-1 shows the current organ- izational structure of the NNI. Thirteen NNI-participating agencies currently report investments in nano- technology: the Department of Agriculture (USDA) (including the Forest Ser- vice [FS] and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service [CSREES]), Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), De- partment of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Depart- ment of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Na- tional Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and National Science Foundation (NSF). In FY 2007, the total investment by those agencies in NNI- related research was about $1.425 billion; DOD, DOE, NIH, NIST, and NSF contributed over 80% of the total NNI budget. The president’s research and de- velopment (R&D) budget request for the NNI for FY 2009 was $1.527 billion. Released in December 2007, the updated NNI strategic plan (NSET 2007a) looks 5-10 years ahead to outline a vision of the NNI as working for a “future in which the ability to understand and control matter at the nanoscale 1 Such a panel had been called for in Small Wonders, Endless Frontiers: A Review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NRC 2002).

16 Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology leads to a revolution in technology and industry that benefits society” (NSET 2007a, p. 3). The strategic plan outlines program component areas (PCAs)2 that were developed as a means of categorizing and describing the many investments in nanotechnology R&D by the federal agencies that support research. Table 1-1 shows the FY 2008 estimated agency expenditures for the PCAs among the NNI agencies. The committee notes that there may be additional nanotechnology research being performed by some agencies that is not reported in the table. Fig- ure 1-2 shows shares of NNI funding in FY 2006 among the PCAs. Executive Office of The President President’s Council of Advisors on Office of Science Office of Science and and Technology Management Technology Policy (OSTP) and Budget (OMB) (PCAST) National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Committee on Technology Committee on Science National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee (NSET) National Nanotechnology Environment and Health Nanotechnology Implications Working Group (NEHI) Coordinating Office (NNCO) Nanomanufacturing Industry Liaison and Innovation Working Group (NILI) Global Issues in Nanotechnology Working Group (GIN) Relationship Formal reporting Informal reporting Nanotechnology Public Engagement and Administrative or contractual Communications Working Group (NPEC) FIGURE 1-1 Organization of NNI. Source: Adapted from Teague 2008. 2 The PCAs are fundamental nanoscale phenomena and processes; nanomaterials; nanoscale devices and systems; instrumentation research, metrology, and standards for nanotechnology; nanomanufacturing; major research facilities and instrumentation acqui- sition; environmental, health, and safety; and education and ethical, legal, and other so- cietal dimensions (NSET 2007a).

TABLE 1-1 Estimated FY 2008 Agency NNI-Related Investments by Program Component Area (in $ millions) Instrumentation Fundamental Research, Major Research Nanoscale Nanoscale Metrology, and Facilities and Environment, Phenomena and Devices and Standards for Instrumentation Health and Societal Processes Nanomaterials Systems Nanotechnology Nanomanufacturing Acquisition Safety Dimensions NNI Totala DOD 258.7 68.9 119.8 8.0 5.4 24.6 2.0 487.4 NSF 138.8 62.1 50.3 16.0 26.9 31.6 29.2 33.8 388.7 DOE 51.4 77.5 13.0 12.0 2.0 92.0 3.0 0.5 251.4 DHHS (NIH) 55.6 25.4 125.8 5.9 0.8 7.7 4.6 225.8 DOC (NIST) 22.5 7.4 21.7 16.1 14.4 5.8 0.8 88.7 NASA 1.5 9.7 6.2 0.4 0.2 18.0 EPA 0.2 0.2 0.2 9.6 10.2 DHHS (NIOSH) 6.0 6.0 USDA (FS) 1.3 1.9 1.2 0.4 0.2 5.0 USDA (CSREES) 0.7 1.6 3.1 0.5 0.1 0.1 6.1 DOJ 2.0 2.0 DHS 1.0 1.0 DOT (FHWA) 0.9 0.9 TOTAL 531.6 254.7 342.3 60.4 50.2 154.4 58.6 39.0 1,491.2 a Totals may appear to be incorrect because of rounding. Source: NSET 2008b, Table 3. 17

18 Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology FIGURE 1-2 NNI Research Funding by Program Component Area in FY 2006. Source: GAO 2008. The PCAs provide a framework that allows the NSET Subcommittee, Of- fice of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and Congress to be informed of NNI-related activities and that facilitates the management of investments in each PCA and the coordination and direction of nanotechnology-related activities in the participating agencies. The NSET Subcommittee has also established four interagency working groups to address specific cross-agency issues in the context of NNI goals and the PCAs: the Nanotechnology Environment and Health Implications (NEHI) Working Group; the Nanomanufacturing, Industry Liaison, and Innovation Working Group; the Nanotechnology Public Engagement and Communications Working Group; and the Global Issues in Nanotechnology Working Group (see Figure 1- 1). ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND SAFETY Responsible development of technology can be characterized as the bal- ancing of efforts to maximize the technology’s contributions and minimize its adverse consequences. Thus, responsible development of nanotechnology in-

NNI and the Genesis of the EHS Strategy 19 volves an examination of both its applications and its potential implications. It implies a commitment to develop and use technology to meet the most pressing human and societal needs while making every reasonable effort to anticipate and mitigate adverse implications and unintended consequences (NRC 2006). Nanomaterials have unusual and useful properties. But their unique attrib- utes make them a double-edged sword: although they can be tailored to yield special benefits, they can also have unknown and possibly adverse effects, such as unexpected toxic and environmental effects. The environmental, health, and safety (EHS) implications of nanotechnology are subjects of serious discussion by government agencies and commissions, nongovernment organizations, the research community, industry, insurers, the mass media, and the public. R&D and manufacturing personnel are the ones initially exposed to nanomaterials, so an initial focus of EHS research related to nanomaterials is occupational health and safety risks. The Growing Importance of Understanding Environmental, Health, and Safety Issues The Woodrow Wilson Center Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies re- ported that 609 consumer products involving nanomaterials were on the market as of April 2008.3 Some 60% of the consumer products reportedly were in the health and fitness category, which includes skin care and other products de- signed for direct application to the body (PEN 2008). The consulting firm Lux Research predicts that by 2010 the market value of specific nanomaterials will range from $16 million for nanowires to $1.5 billion for ceramic nanoparticles and that there will be a large expansion in all nanomaterial markets from 2005 to 2010 (Holman 2007). As nanomaterials become incorporated into an increasing number and share of consumer products, opportunities for exposure of workers, the general public, and the environment will also increase, so understanding of the potential risks posed by such exposure takes on greater urgency. In addition to the application of ceramic and other nanoparticles in cosmetics and skin-care products, expanding applications of nanomaterials with relatively high exposure potential include the use of nanosilver in a wide variety of coat- ings, clothing, and personal-care products for its antimicrobial properties; use of cerium oxide nanoparticles as catalysts in motor-vehicle fuels; and a variety of ceramic and metallic nanoparticles in coatings (Holman 2007). Applications of carbon nanotubes, ceramic nanoparticles, and metal nanoparticles in composite materials, electronic and optical equipment, and other instruments may offer less exposure potential during the use phase of their life cycle but still result in expo- sure of workers during manufacturing processes and of workers and the general public at the end of the product life cycle. The combination of the heterogeneity of and enormous variations among nanomaterials and their applications; the 3 These products are identified as nanomaterial-based by the manufacturers or others.

20 Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology potential for novel forms of toxicity created by their unique size and structural and physical characteristics; and the variations in the frequency, magnitude and duration of releases or exposures, introduces considerable complexity into the design of research programs necessary to understand their potential toxicity. Researchers, nonprofit organizations, industry, and consumer groups have been calling for an emphasis on EHS research on nanotechnology (Biswas and Wu 2005; Denison 2005; Maynard 2006; Wiesner et al. 2006; Gulledge 2008). In 2004, memorandums from OMB and OSTP to federal-agency heads empha- sized the need to give EHS aspects of nanotechnology high priority, noting that “agencies also should support research on the various societal implications of the nascent technology” by placing “a high priority on research on human health and environmental issues…[and] cross-agency approaches” (OMB/OSTP 2004, p.3). The most recent memorandum, for FY 2009, notes that “agencies should strengthen interagency coordination of and support research on potential risks to human health and the environment, consistent with the [NNI (2006)], EHS Re- search Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials” (OMB/OSTP 2007, p. 5). In 2005, PCAST acknowledged that current knowledge and data for as- sessing the risks posed by nanotechnology products were incomplete. Further- more, PCAST said that because exposure to nanomaterials is most likely to oc- cur during manufacturing, research on potential hazards associated with work- place exposure must be given the highest priority (PCAST 2005).4 In 2005, the NSET Subcommittee formally established the NEHI in a charter that set forth its purpose and objectives (NEHI 2005).5 The National Environmental Health Implications Working Group The NEHI was formed to promote the exchange of information among agencies that support nanotechnology research and those responsible for regula- tion and guidelines related to nanoproducts; to facilitate identification, priority- setting, and implementation of research needed for the development, use, and oversight of nanotechnology; and to promote communication of information related to research on environmental and health implications of nanotechnology to other government and nongovernment organizations. The NEHI comprises representatives of 18 research and regulatory agencies, OSTP, and OMB and is cochaired by representatives of FDA and the EPA Office of Research and De- velopment.6 4 The committee recognizes that PCAST has published a second report, The National Nanotechnology Initiative: Second Assessment and Recommendations of the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel (PCAST 2008a). PCAST assessed the NNI draft strategy in a report, PCAST (2008b), that was an addendum to PCAST (2008a). 5 The committee recognizes that the informal work of NEHI began as early as 2003. 6 Current members of NEHI consists of officials from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of State, Department of Transportation,

NNI and the Genesis of the EHS Strategy 21 The NEHI, in its charter, was tasked with the following objectives: • To improve communication of information related to environmental and health aspects of nanotechnology by the National Nanotechnology Coordi- nation Office (NNCO), the NSET Subcommittee, and individual agencies. • To assist in the development of information and strategies as a basis for the drafting of guidance in the safe handling and use of nanoproducts by re- searchers, workers, and consumers. • To support, with input from the NSET Subcommittee and other appro- priate interagency groups, the development of tools and methods for identifying and setting priorities among specific research to enable risk analysis of and regu- latory decision-making regarding nanoproducts. • To support development of nanotechnology standards, including no- menclature and terminology, by consensus-based standards organizations. The structure of the NEHI mirrors that of the NNI, as it serves primarily as a coordinating body across federal research and regulatory agencies. The NEHI, like the NNI, has no authority over the individual agencies and no budget of its own, so it cannot ensure that agencies address or fund specific kinds of EHS research adequately. The NEHI’s formal coordination efforts have resulted in various reports that have identified EHS research priorities for nanomaterials in a series of documents, starting with Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials (NEHI 2006), which developed five research categories with a total of 75 research needs. The five research categories were instrumentation, metrology, and analytic methods; nanomaterials and human health; nanomaterials and the environment; health and environmental surveil- lance; and risk-management methods. In 2007, NNI released Prioritization of Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials (NEHI 2007) that reduced the 75 to 25 research needs. In early 2008, A Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Re- search was released (NEHI 2008).7 It notes that nanotechnology-related EHS Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, International Trade Commission, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institute for Oc- cupational Safety and Health, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Stan- dards and Technology, National Science Foundation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Office of Management and Budget, and U.S. Geological Survey. 7 In addition to NEHI (2008), many individual agencies have established separate processes to develop their own EHS nanotechnology research strategies. These processes have varied in their structure, their degree of stakeholder involvement, and their complex- ity. For the most part, the agency personnel engaged in the development of the agency research strategies have been represented on the NEHI, thus allowing for coordination between the NNI research strategy and the individual agency research strategies. The

22 Review of the Federal Strategy for Nanotechnology research and the strategy itself aim to accelerate research to protect public health and the environment and to fill gaps in research, and—in light of the growing level of effort worldwide—to avoid unnecessary duplication of research. The approach, the document notes, is driven by the breadth of issues, from transport in the environment and effects on human health to managing risks and the over- arching need to measure and characterize nanomaterials in various environ- ments. Addressing such a variety of issues, the NNI asserts, requires participa- tion by and coordination of the various NNI agencies with their diverse com- petences and expertise. STRUCTURE OF THIS REPORT This National Research Council (NRC) report is an independent assess- ment of the 2008 NNI document. The NNCO asked the NRC to evaluate the scientific and technical aspects of the draft strategy and to comment in general terms on how the strategy would develop information needed to support the EHS risk-assessment and risk-management needs with respect to nanomaterials. The committee conducted the evaluation of the NNI draft strategy by ask- ing several questions: What is a research strategy, and more specifically, a risk- research strategy? What are the necessary components of such a strategy (Chap- ter 2)? Does the strategy have the necessary components (Chapter 3)? For each of the research categories identified in the strategy—including instrumentation, metrology, and analytic methods; human health; environment; exposure assess- ment; and risk-management methods—are the appropriate research needs identi- fied, is the gap analysis complete and accurate, are priorities among research needs set correctly, and would the research support EHS risk-assessment and risk-management needs (Chapter 4)? Chapter 5 offers the committee’s conclu- sions and recommendations and a look toward future steps in the development of an EHS research strategy for nanomaterials. Society is looking to the scien- tific community for guidance with respect to nanotechnology, and the commit- tee, in its evaluation, considers nanotechnology to be a field that requires tar- geted research for understanding the scientific uncertainties surrounding potential EHS risks. REFERENCES Biswas, P., and C.Y. Wu. 2005. Nanoparticles and the environment. J. Air Waste Manag. Assoc. 55(6):708-746. Denison, R.A. 2005. A Proposal to Increase Federal Funding of Nanotechnology Risk Research to at Least $100 Million Annually. Environmental Defense. April 2005 [online]. Available: http://www.edf.org/documents/4442_100milquestionl.pdf [ac- cessed July 29, 2008]. individual agency research strategies are of course bounded and shaped by the mission, resources, and regulatory obligations of the agencies developing them.

NNI and the Genesis of the EHS Strategy 23 GAO (General Accountability Office). 2008. Nanotechnology. Better Guidance is Needed to Ensure Accurate Reporting of Federal Research Focused on Environ- mental, Health, and Safety Risks, March 2008, Washington, DC [online]. Avail- able: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08402.pdf. Gulledge, W. 2008. Presentation at the Second Meeting on Review of the Federal Strat- egy to Address Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials, May 5, 2008, Washington, DC. Holman, M. 2007. Nanomaterials Forecast: Volumes and Applications. Presented at the ICON Nanomaterial Environmental Health and Safety Research Needs Assess- ment, January 9, 2007, Bethesda, MD [online]. Available: http://cohesion.rice. edu/CentersAndInst/ICON/emplibrary/Nanomaterial%20Volumes%20and%20Ap plications%20-%20Holman,%20Lux%20Research.pdf [accessed June 19, 2008]. Maynard, A.D. 2006. Nanotechnology: A Research Strategy for Addressing Risk. Project on Emerging Nanotechnology PEN 3. Washington, DC: Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars. July 2006 [online]. Available: http://www2.cst. gov.uk/cst/business/files/ww5.pdf [accessed August 22, 2008]. NEHI (Nanotechnology Environmental Health Implications Working Group). 2005. Terms of Reference. Nanotechnology Environmental Health Implications Working Group, Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee, Commit- tee on Technology. March 18, 2005. NEHI (Nanotechnology Environmental Health Implications Working Group). 2006. En- vironmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Mate- rials. Arlington, VA: National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. September 2006 [online]. Available: http://www.nano.gov/NNI_EHS_research_needs.pdf [ac- cessed Aug. 22, 2008]. NEHI (Nanotechnology Environmental Health Implications Working Group). 2007. Pri- oritization of Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engineered Nanoscale Materials: An Interim Document for Public Comment. Arlington, VA: National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. August 2007 [online]. Available: http://www.nano.gov/Prioritization_EHS_Research_Needs_Engineered_Nanoscale _Materials.pdf [accessed Aug. 22, 2008]. NEHI (Nanotechnology Environmental Health Implications Working Group). 2008. Na- tional Nanotechnology Initiative Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environ- mental, Health, and Safety Research. Arlington, VA: National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. February 2008 [online]. Available: http://www.nano.gov/ NNI_EHS_Research_Strategy.pdf [accessed Aug. 22, 2008]. NRC (National Research Council). 2002. Small Wonders, Endless Frontiers: A Review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. NRC (National Research Council). 2006. A Matter of Size: Triennial Review of the Na- tional Nanotechnology Initiative. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. NSET (Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee). 2007a. Na- tional Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan. Subcommittee on Nanoscale Sci- ence, Engineering, and Technology, Committee on Technology, National Science and Technology Council. December 2007 [online]. Available: http://www.nano. gov/NNI_Strategic_Plan_2007.pdf [accessed June 12, 2008]. NSET (Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee). 2007b. Na- tional Nanotechnology Initiative: Research and Development Lending to a Revolu- tion in Technology and Industry: Supplement to the President’s FY 2008 Budget.

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NNI and the Genesis of the EHS Strategy 25 Siegel, R.W., E. Hu, and M.C. Roco, eds. 1999. Nanostructure Science and Technology: R & D Status and Trends in Nanoparticles, Nanostructured Materials and Nanode- vices. Dordrecht: Kluwer. Teague, E.C. 2008. NNI Strategy for Nanotechnology-Related Environmental, Health, and Safety Research. Presentation at the First Meeting on Review of the Federal Strategy to Address Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Needs for Engi- neered Nanoscale Materials, March 31, 2008, Washington, DC. Wiesner, M.R., G.V. Lowry, P. Alvarez, D. Dionysiou, and P. Biswas. 2006. Assessing the risk of manufactured nanomaterials. Environ. Sci. Technol. 40(1):4336-4345.

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This new book from the National Research Council finds serious weaknesses in the government's plan for research on the potential health and environmental risks posed by nanomaterials, which are increasingly being used in consumer goods and industry. An effective national plan for identifying and managing potential risks is essential to the successful development and public acceptance of nanotechnology-enabled products.

The book recommends a robust national strategic plan for addressing nanotechnology-related EHS risks, which will need to focus on promoting research that can assist all stakeholders, including federal agencies, in planning, controlling, and optimizing the use of engineered nanomaterials while minimizing EHS effects of concern to society. Such a plan will ensure the timely development of engineered nanoscale materials that will bring about great improvements in the nation's health, its environmental quality, its economy, and its security.

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