The EPA's nanotechnology applications and implications research - NanoWerk, USA
Politicians, activist groups, and individuals in the general public have questioned the ability of federal agencies to adequately oversee the development of nanotechnology. In particular, the lack of human and environmental health and safety data so far has led to an absence of regulations on engineered nanoparticles and materials containing these particles. Some industry groups, especially the cosmetics industry, have actually used the lack of such data to argue that their products are safe and have aggressively lobbied against any regulations. The EPA is funding a number of research projects that address these data gaps, resulting in a significant amount of new data. The authors point out the need for toxicity studies concerning the risks from nanomaterials released from consumer products during their entire lifecycle.