Report Cites Lack of Data Regarding Effectiveness of Regulations to Manage Potential Nanotechnology Risks

According to a recent report entitled Nanomaterials in Consumer Products, the extent to which a variety of European regulations would manage potential risks of nanomaterials in consumer products cannot be assessed. The report was prepared for the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety. According to the report, which is not publicly available, “[u]ntil there are data on which to determine the nature of any risks posed by nanomaterials, it is not possible to assess the full extent to which the implementation of current regulations addresses any potential risks.”  The report makes recommendations about policies that could be used if it is determined that existing European laws are inadequate.