Chairman Wynn Examines Dangers of Nanotechnology - The Online Office of Congressman Albert R. Wynn, USA
On Wednesday, Congressman Albert R. Wynn (D-MD), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Environment and Hazardous Materials, convened a forum on nanotechnology and heard from some of the leading environmental, government and industry experts in the field.
The panel discussion confirmed that the existing statutory authorities are not capable of providing appropriate government oversight to address and minimize the risk of nanotechnology.
Wynn said, "Nanomaterials have real environmental, health and safety toxicity effects that need to be fully addressed to protect human health and the environment. A growing number of scientists believe that the unique properties of nanomaterials might pose substantial risks. Much remains unknown about the potential consequences of exposure to some commercially used nanomaterials. Without a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved with nanomaterials, the future of this promising technology may be overshadowed by undesired consequences."
Next year, Chairman Wynn plans to hold a hearing on the serious gaps in the current statutory and regulatory framework to provide appropriate oversight and protect human health and the environment.

Beautiful nanotechnology images from the Science as Art competition - NanoWerk, USA
A reminder that nanoscale research can have unpredicted consequences at a high level.

Color-enhanced scanning electron micrograph of an overflowed electrodeposited magnetic nanowire array (CoFeB), where the template has been subsequently completely etched.

(Image: Fanny Beron, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montréal, Canada)

Consumers are still suspicious of nano cosmetics - CosmeticDesign, EU
There is still significant suspicion over the use of nanotechnology in personal care products. The BfR said that they received the most reliable information from consumer groups, and the least reliable information from politicians. They were also sceptical of information originating from the business community.