J.A. Shatkin, K. Ong, J.D. Ede
Vireo Advisors, LLC,
United States
Keywords: manufactured nanomaterials, nanomaterial safety, advanced materials and technologies, nanotechnology environmental and health, novel and emerging materials and technologies
Summary:
Many agencies are now shifting from a focus on nanomaterial safety to broader research on advanced materials and technologies, including the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials, as well as many members of the US National Nanotechnology Initiative Subcommittee on Nanotechnology Environmental and Health Implications. This shift is due to the rapid emergence of new consumer facing technologies, a recognition that novel manufacturing methods may generate new types of exposures and hazards to the workforce, including working with synthetic biology tools, nanomaterials, robots, and additive manufacturing; and in some cases, working with a combination of these technologies (e.g. 3D printed nanomaterial composites). The considerable efforts over the last decade and more to advance knowledge of safety and safe handling approaches for nanomaterials has generated a rich toolbox of standards, measurement methods, risk assessment frameworks, databases, and safe handling strategies. This presentation considers what can be learned and built upon for novel and emerging materials and technologies, as well as which types of resources are not transferable that are priorities for similar investment and expert attention to ensure protection of workers, users, and the environment.