CONTACT:
Dale Kemery
kemery.dale@epa.gov
202-564-7839
202-564-4355
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2009
EPA Announces Research Strategy to Study Nanomaterials
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today outlined a new research strategy to better understand how manufactured nanomaterials may harm human health and the environment. Nanomaterials are materials that are between approximately one and 100 nanometers. A nanometer is approximately 1/100,000 the width of a human hair. These materials are currently used in hundreds of consumer products, including sunscreen, cosmetics and sports equipment.
The strategy outlines what research EPA will support over the next several years to generate information about the safe use of nanotechnology and products that contain nano-scale materials. The strategy also includes research into ways nanotechnology can be used to clean up toxic chemicals in the environment.
Nanomaterials are used in a wide variety of consumer products. For instance, because of the unusual light-absorbing properties of the zinc or titanium nanoparticles they contain, high-SPF nano sunscreens are clear rather than white. Studies show that they provide superior protection against UV radiation.
EPA’s role among federal agencies is to determine the potential hazards of nanotechnology and develop approaches to reduce or minimize any risks identified. As part of the strategy, researchers are investigating widely used nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, which are used in vehicles, sports equipment and electronics; and titanium dioxide, which is used in paints, cosmetics and sunscreens.
The research is being conducted in EPA’s own laboratories and by grant recipients as part of a collaborative effort with other federal organizations and the international community.
EPA’s research is conducted using a multidisciplinary approach that examines all aspects of nanomaterials in the environment, from their manufacture and use to their disposal or recycling. EPA’s new nanotechnology Web site provides more details about the research and offers news and publications.
More information about nanotechnology research: http://www.epa.gov/nanoscience.
Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.
View all news releases related to research
 | You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
|
Sent by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355
No comments:
Post a Comment