INTRODUCTION

I am pleased to provide you Nanotech Risk Management's (NRM) newsletter. This newsletter, published on a monthly basis, is focused on NRM's mission, to support the development of nanotechnology in a safe and dependable manner and to provide our clients with up-to-date information relevant to the growth and health of their business. As such, the newsletter is divided into three(3) sections: technical; environmental, health and safety; and regulatory issues. Each of these sections highlights developing issues of current importance to the growth and enhancement of nanotechnology.

We welcome your feedback.

GLOBAL NEWS

TECHNICAL

Although there is a significant gap between what current hype and the resulting public perception, and the reality of scientific understanding and commercialization, nanotechnology is developing quite rapidly. We are already seeing the trend toward using the word "nano", as if the use of this word alone, will bestow product properties that transcend our expectations. However, expectations aside, commercial products utilizing nanomaterials (structures in the size range of 1-100 nm) do show exceptional properties. Paints are harder, clothing repels water and dirt, sunscreens are more effective, computer processors are more powerful while utilizing less power, antibacterial compounds can be infused into materials with very effective results, improved medications, and the list continues.

Inventory of Nanoproducts
For your continued information on nano-products, The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, conducted by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, maintains a very useful inventory of products containing nanomaterials.
www.nanotechproject.org/44

ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH & SAFETY

As the nanotechnologies move forward the environmental, health and safety concerns are among the foremost challenges. We just don't know enough yet to predict how they interact with the environment or humans.

Consumer Reports, reports on nanotechnology
In July 2007, Consumer Reports, the quintessential consumer magazine, published an extensive article on nanotechnology. The organization, while attesting to the exciting potential of nanotechnology products to enhance our lives, also expressed reservations as to our knowledge of the EH&S issues associated with nanomaterials.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/nanotechnology-7-07/overview/0707_nano_ov_1.htm

Lloyd's publishes a warning about nanotechnology
In December 2007 Lloyd's hosted a half-day seminar on the risk and opportunities of nanotechnology, as well as publishing a paper on the subject.
The paper discusses the pros and cons of this new emerging technology. Although clearly a boon to the industry in many respects, the paper also warns of the potential impacts to human health and the environment.
http://www.lloyds.com/NR/rdonlyres/A3674547-BF46-42B2-ACF7-9DC17A574BD9/0/Nanotechnology_the_big_questions.pdf

REGULATORY

EPA publishes White Paper on Nanotechnology
Although now a year old, in February 2007 the EPA published an encompassing paper on nanotechnology. The paper highlights both the extraordinary properties of nanomaterials and discusses both the opportunities to improve measurement techniques, monitoring, and minimizing contaminants to the environments, as well as the potential new and unforeseen environmental issues.
The paper also provides recommendations for addressing science issues, risk assessment, human health effects, and fate and transport research needs, and the need for data to appropriately address the agency's statutory mandates.
http://www.epa.gov/osa/pdfs/nanotech/epa-nanotechnology-whitepaper-0207.pdf

NRM NEWS

November 2007:
Dr. Blaunstein participated in a nationwide webcast sponsored by the American Association of Regulatory Professionals. Together with Lynn Bergeson, Bergeson & Campbell, the webcast described the technical, EH&S and regulatory issues confronting companies about to embark on the use of nanomaterials.