Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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The United Kingdom supports the EU efforts and also is moving forward with case-by-case risk
product evaluation, at least with regard to food and food contact materials, and an environmental
assessment. There are ongoing studies of several of the most prominently mentioned nanomaterials:
nanosilver, CNTs, and iron nanomaterials.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the government department
in the United Kingdom that deals with nanotechnology and the environment. It makes policy and
legislation, and works with others to deliver policies in areas such as the natural environment, bio-
diversity, plants and animals; sustainable development and the green economy; food, farming, and
fisheries; animal health and welfare; and environmental protection and pollution control.
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Defra has stated that nanotechnologies have the potential to bring significant benefits to con-
sumers, society, the environment, and the economy through a range of applications. Defra's pri-
mary interest in nanotechnologies is in managing any potential risks to the environment and human
health via the environment. This area was addressed by the Royal Society and Royal Academy of
Engineering (RS/RAEng) in a report titled “Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and
uncer ta inties.”
†
The Government's response to the recommendations was published in February 2005, and its
implementation is being coordinated through the Nanotechnology Issues Dialogue Group (NIDG).
Like the United States and the EU, Defra states that there is currently little evidence on which to
determine the potential risks posed by engineered nanoscale materials. It is therefore difficult to
assess the extent to which current controls and regulations cover these materials, or the type of
additional measures that may be necessary to control potential risks.
‡
To address this, the U.K.
government has developed a comprehensive program of research on potential risks and a Voluntary
Reporting Scheme for engineered nanoscale materials.
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The latter is of interest since it addresses the
question of how to protect the public while information is being gathered on the effects of nanoscale
materials. The UK's Voluntary Reporting Scheme (VRS) for Manufactured Nanomaterials was
launched on September 22, 2006.
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The VRS was initially set up as a 2-year trial initiative for
industry and research organizations to provide the Government with information relevant to under-
standing the potential risks posed by free engineered nanoscale materials.
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During the 2-year trial
thirteen data submissions were received, eleven from industry and 2 from academia.
††
Following the conclusion of the trial, Defra stated that it has to be mindful of how to incorporate
its reporting scheme or “build a bridge” to any future European reporting requirements for nano-
materials, including those of the REACH Regulation.
‡‡
Defra indicates that REACH is currently
the subject of its own review, which aims to examine how the Regulation can be adapted to bet-
ter address issues of specific relevance to nanomaterials (the previously described nanotechnology
gap).
§§
Through its nanotechnologies research program, Defra has also commissioned research into
the policy implications of nanotechnologies that will benefit the environment.
¶¶
It is investigating the
opportunities and potential obstacles to adoption of a number applications of nanotechnology which
could be used to cut use of nonrenewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
*
United Kingdom. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/.
†
Nanotechnology: Policy. http://archive.defra.gov.uk./environment/quality/nanotech/policy.htm.
‡
See, e.g.
, United Kingdom, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). “Nanotechnology: Policy.”
http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/nanotech/policy.htm;.Chemicals, pesticides and nanotechnology.” http://
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/chemicals/.
§
Nanotechnology: Policy.
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