With products of nanotechnology worth over $ 32 billion already on the market, the United States needs to develop a systematic approach $ 50 million-a force -Year to investigate the risks of nanomaterials to human health and environmental safety potential. This is according to a report released today by Andrew Maynard, scientific director of the Woodrow Wilson Center for International researchers Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies in Washington, DC But at least one federal official who helps coordinate nanotechnology research says that a large part of what the report calls is already being done.
nanomaterials have long been cherished in the world of research because of their small size gives them unique chemical behavior of light emission, electric, and. But because these particles can get inside cells, toxicologists must take a careful look at their security ( Science NOW, June 15). The National Nanotechnology Initiative United States (NNI) currently spends about $ 11 million per year in research that is "very relevant" to the environmental health and safety (EH & S), a fraction of its budget more $ 1 billion, according to the report. Critics argue that the security effort is not well coordinated. "People are everywhere, doing a little of this and a little of that," said David Warheit, a toxicologist at DuPont in Newark, Delaware. . This ad hoc approach creates "significant knowledge gaps" about the fate of nanoparticles, said Maynard "At best, these gaps create uncertainties - and the worst dangers - for workers, businesses, consumers, investors and insurers. "He adds
Maynard argues that the federal government needs a comprehensive global strategy and define research priorities. first, they would be designed to measure human exposure and environmental nanomaterials and their toxicity. Ultimately, the goal is to accurately predict the impact of hundreds of nanomaterials being developed around the globe. the process should be conducted by federal agencies with a clear mandate to oversee EH & S risks such as the environmental protection Agency. research should also be coordinated at the international level, and the costs should be shared with the industry where possible.
Paolo Gargini, director of technology strategy of Intel Corporation, a leading manufacturer of semiconductor chips in Santa Clara, California, calls the new report "an important contribution to building much needed consensus around the need for targeted research on the implications and applications of nanotechnology. "Clayton Teague, director of the US National nanotechnology Coordination Office to help coordinate research efforts between the 25 organizations financing participating in the NNI, agrees. But he argues that the current funding EH & S is $ 44 million rather than the Maynard estimate of $ 11 million, and that agencies already cooperate to establish research priorities and even finance joint research projects. Teague said the agenda EH & S coordinated federal should be described in a report to be published in the next two months.
Related site
- The
0 Komentar