NNI Releases Brochure Entitled "Big Things from a Tiny World"

Posted on September 28, 2007 by Lynn L. Bergeson
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) recently released a brochure entitled “Big Things from a Tiny World.” The brochure is intended for general readers rather than scientists, and describes what nanotechnology is, what nanotechnology-related products are available now, and the potential contributions of nanotechnology to address issues such as clean, renewable energy, clean water, and medical devices and drugs. The brochure also describes potential technological impacts and the research that is under way to identify those impacts.
Tags: , ,

ACGIH Will Present Webinar on Nanotechnology Health and Safety

Posted on September 19, 2007 by Lynn L. Bergeson
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) will hold a webinar entitled “Nanotechnology Health and Safety: Case Studies in the Occupational Setting” on December 4, 2007. The webinar will discuss the uncertainties associated with the hazards and potential risks of working with engineered nanoparticles; describe ways to help manage exposure to engineered nanoparticles; and illustrate how occupational health and safety controls, both engineering and administrative, can be implemented to manage better worker health and safety.  Additionally, the webinar will present case studies that will highlight how select organizations that use engineered nanoparticles in production facilities (metal oxide and metal alloy), as well as research laboratories, are addressing the safety and health issues behind this new technology. Continue Reading...
Tags: , , , , ,

Canada Publishes Proposed Regulatory Framework for Nanomaterials Under CEPA

Posted on September 17, 2007 by Lynn L. Bergeson
Environment Canada (EC) and Health Canada (HC) have released a document entitled Proposed Regulatory Framework for Nanomaterials Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (Proposed Framework). EC/HC will hold a public workshop for stakeholders regarding the Proposed Framework on September 27, 2007, in Toronto. At the workshop, EC/HC will gather comments from participating stakeholders through discussion groups and plenary sessions. EC/HC will invite all stakeholders to provide additional written comments the weeks following the meeting. Click here to request a copy of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.’s memorandum on the Proposed Framework.
Tags: , , , , ,

Greenpeace Releases Activists' Guide to REACH, Which Addresses Nanomaterials

Posted on September 12, 2007 by Lynn L. Bergeson
On August 30, 2007, Greenpeace International (Greenpeace) issued a report entitled Navigating REACH: An Activists’ Guide To Using and Improving the New EU Chemicals Legislation (Guide), which is intended to explain how the European Union’s (EU) Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation will work, what main issues are at stake, and how the law will be implemented. The Guide highlights provisions that non-governmental organizations (NGO) and citizens can use to promote safer chemicals and lead ultimately to better protection of human health and the environment from the adverse impact of hazardous chemicals. The Guide includes nanomaterials among the issues for NGOs: Continue Reading...
Tags: , , , , ,

Environmental Health Perspectives Publishes Study Regarding Pharmacokinetics of Quantum Dots

Posted on September 10, 2007 by Lynn L. Bergeson
The September 1, 2007, issue of Environmental Health Perspectives includes an article entitled “Persistent Tissue Kinetics and Redistribution of Nanoparticles, Quantum Dot 705, in Mice: ICP-MS Quantitative Assessment.”  The purpose of the study was to assess the tissue disposition and pharmacokinetics of quantum dots (QD705) in mice.  According to the article, the plasma half-life of QD705 in mice was short (18.5 hours), but analyses revealed QD705 persisted and even continued to increase in the spleen, liver, and kidney 28 days following an intravenous dose.  Considerable time-dependent redistribution from body mass to liver and kidney was apparent between 1 and 28 days post-dosing.  The recoveries at both time points were near 100%; all QD705s reside in the body.  Neither fecal nor urinary excretion of QD705 was detected appreciably in 28 days post-dosing.  Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated deposition of QD705 in the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Tags: