Scientist: U.S. Nanotech Policy Needs Improvement
Current U.S. government policy on managing the potential health and safety risks of nanotechnologies, which are created from the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular levels, is not advancing with the speed of advancements in technology, a scientist said Monday.
The government has been “approaching 21st century technologies with a 20th century mindset," said Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies Chief Scientist Andrew Maynard before the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Maynard would like the government to develop a goal-driven risk research strategy to provide decision-makers -- including regulators, industry and consumers -- with scientific information on how to handle nanotechnologies as safely as possible, according to a statement from the Woodrow Wilson International Center. He is also seeking an increase in research funding for agencies responsible for oversight and related research, more government coordination and an increase in government-industry cooperation.
The agencies include: the Environmental Protection Agency, Food & Drug Administration, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. -- Winter Casey
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