The Program on Reproductive Health and
the Environment (PRHE) at the University
of California, San Francisco (UCSF) recently
published a draft of a report entitled
"A Nanotechnology Policy Framework:
Policy Recommendations for Addressing
Potential Health Risks from Nanomaterials
in California." The draft nanotechnology
policy framework will be presented to
Cal/EPA's Office of Environmental Health
Hazard Assessment, once finalized,
to "better inform . . . risk assessment
recommendations for decision makers and risk managers." The report was designed
to provide the State "with an overview
of nanotechnology materials and their
potential exposures and human health
risks, and proposes a selection of policy
options for addressing potential hazards
and risks from nanotechnology."
There are few states with overall policies
on the regulation of nanotechnology.
California has traditionally been ahead of
the curve in its regulatory approach to
nanotech. In January 2010, CCST presented
information to the Presidential Council
of Advisors on Science and Technology
(PCAST) on the history of nanotechnology
policy in California, including the launch
of the "California Nanotechnology
Initiative" by the Department of Toxic
Substances Control (DTSC) in 2006.
(CCST had previously prepared a
comprehensive overview of nanoscience
and nanotechnology opportunities and
challenges in the state in 2004 for the Joint
Committee on Preparing California for the
21st Century.)
The PRHE's stated mission is "to create
a healthier environment for human
reproduction and development through
advancing scientific inquiry, clinical
care and health policies that prevent
exposures to harmful chemicals in our
environment." The draft nanotechnology
policy framework PRHE has produced
highlights difficulties presented by the
potential regulation of nanotechnology
(or lack thereof ) in California, including
a disconnect between science, existing
regulations, and policy recommendations.
The report offers 15 recommendations,
including mandatory pre-market testing of
consumer products containing nanoscale
components and labeling of these
products.
A public meeting was held on May 5 for
discussion of the draft, which is due to be
presented to Cal EPA later this year.
