Kalpin M.C., Hoffer M.A.
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, US
Keywords: environment, environmental regulation, European Union, nanomaterials, precautionary principle, REACH, TSCA, United States
This paper discusses and contrasts the environmental regulatory programs that are emerging in the United States and the European Union with respect to nanomaterials and nanoproducts, and provides recommendations for addressing potential inconsistencies that may stifle the development and distribution of those materials and products. The emerging United States program, which likely will be based on the existing Toxic Substances Control Act, has requirements that are well known and do not require an absolute showing of product safety. In contrast, the emerging regulatory program in the European Union appears to be based on the Precautionary Principle and the development REACH Program — both which could require absolute showings of product safety and significantly slow the development and use of nanomaterials and nanoparticles.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 8, 2005
Pages: 761 - 764
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Advanced Manufacturing
ISBN: 0-9767985-1-4