Wednesday, October 24
Nanotechnology and the Consumer: Moving Forward
Topic Brief
Day two of the dialogue provided a forum for discussing existing and potential nanotechnology regulation, oversight and outreach activities associated with nanotechnology consumer products. Participants were invited to discuss their thoughts on the type of nanotechnology oversight and involvement they would like to see as the technological development moves forward.
Panelists
- Terry Davies, Senior Advisor, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies
- Michael Hansen, Senior scientist, Consumers Union
- Tim Mealey, Senior Partner, Meridian Institute
- David Rejeski, Director, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Woodrow Wilson Center
- Sally Tinkle, Senior Science Advisor to the Acting Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health
Polls
Focus Point Discussions
The Regulatory Landscape and Emerging Oversight Strategies
In this session, participants discussed current federal, state, local, and international government action on nanotechnology related to overseeing the safety of consumer products. We encouraged participants to ask questions and raise thoughts on the scope and level of government oversight they think is necessary. What are your expectations of government, industry, or other organizations in providing oversight of nanotechnology product development? Policy experts and scientists will be online to discuss some of strategies they have proposed for overseeing the responsible development of nanotechnology. Participants were invited to respond to these ideas and offer suggestions on how to increase public knowledge, trust and confidence in nanotechnology consumer products.
Background: This discussion is especially timely given that one year ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held their first public meeting on nanotechnology and in July 2007 released its nano task force report addressing the science and regulatory needs to “regulate drugs, medical devices and other products built on the nanoscale.” In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of finalizing its plans for launching a voluntary nanoscale materials stewardship program (NMSP), based on comments it received in September 2007 on its program. A number of nanotechnology-related bills (focused on encouraging technology development and advancement) have been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate. Congress is also set to reauthorize the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act next year.
Looking Ahead: What Should be Done?
In this final session, we invited participants to share views on what should be done to ensure that nanotechnology works for all of us. What can each of us do as individuals and together? Do you have ideas on how best to engage and educate the public on issues associated with this and other new technologies? Where do you get most of your information about nanotechnology? How could government, industry, and other organizations do a better job of reaching out to society? Are there new and creative ways to involve larger segments of society? What topics would you like to discuss further in a future dialogue?
Nano for Novices
For those who are new to nano, missed Day 1's nano introductions, or had questions after reviewing some of the introductory materials, this focus point discussion space served as a place for posting general questions about nanotechnology and consumer products. We encouraged people with more specific questions about product testing, labeling, trust, and oversight to pose those questions and comments in the other discussion spaces.
Library Items
EPA and Nanotechnology: Oversight for the 21st Century J. Clarence Davies, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, May 2007. In this report, Dr. Davies evaluates various environmental management and policy tools and offers a number of innovative regulatory and non-regulatory approaches for government, industry, and other stakeholders in both the near and long term.
Managing the Effects of Nanotechnology J. Clarence Davies, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. This reports examines whether existing oversight mechanisms are adequate and whether they need to be reassessed and changed. The report asks: does it make sense to consider a new law? Does government have the necessary human and financial resources to anticipate and manage the possible health and environmental implications of nanotechnology? Are there incentives to speed nanotechnology applications for environmentally beneficial uses?
Regulating the Products of Nanotechnology: Does the FDA Have the Tools It Needs? Michael R. Taylor, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, October, 2006. In this report: Does the FDA have the strategy, expertise, and resources it needs in the area of nanotechnology to regulate it effectively?