Companies slow to volunteer for EPA data-gathering effort - GreenWire, USA
Almost six months after the launch of a U.S. EPA effort to gather information about commercially used nanomaterials, the agency is struggling to convince companies to participate in the voluntary program.
EPA's Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program (NMSP), which began in January, first asks companies to report information on the engineered nanoscale materials they use, then seeks more in-depth, longer-term information.
So far, EPA has received four submissions for nanoscale materials under the basic program, as well as commitments from 12 more companies. No one has signed up to participate in the in-depth part of the program. EPA has encouraged companies to sign up for the program by July 28.
The lack of participation is a concern for policymakers, industry officials and environmentalists.

Study shows increased education on nanotech, human enhancement increases public concerns - PhysOrg, USA
Educating the public about nanotechnology and other complex but emerging technologies causes people to become more "worried and cautious" about the new technologies' prospective benefits, according to a recent study by researchers at North Carolina State University.

Bottoms Up! What's in your glass? - Environmental Communication Options, Canada
This spring, the Associated Press reported that trace amounts of drugs had been found in drinking water in American cities. This set off a flurry of water testing.
However, no one knows what to do with the resulting data. We lack both the science and the baseline data to detect and set maximum acceptable levels of pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Are tiny levels of drugs in our water a health risk? We just don't know.Our information about the toxicity of nanotechnology is also limited. Nanoparticles are extremely small and as they readily penetrate cells, targeted drug delivery will be possible. We know that nanoparticles may differ significantly from their macroscale counterparts, but we don't yet regulate their specific qualities. Once we understand the safety of all active ingredients and excipients, it will be far from obvious what threats they may pose when mixed together and consumed.

Burning Questions: Are Sunscreens Containing Nanomaterials Safe? - Environmental Defense, USA
Lack of adequate safety data applies to many of the traditional chemical sunscreen ingredients. Nanoscale materials may require additional scrutiny, however, because their properties can differ from their bulk-scale counterparts. The lack of adequate safety data makes it hard to draw definitive conclusions regarding the safety of nanomaterials in sunscreens.