Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
and Defra is also exploring the application of nanoscience in the areas of insulation, photovoltaics,
electricity storage, engine efficiency and the hydrogen economy.
*
It is looking into applications of
nanotechnologies that will benefit the environment. Potential applications include nanomaterials
that can remove more efficiently pollutants from contaminated sites, and nano-based sensors that
improve our ability to detect and eliminate pollution.
†
15.11.3 f
raNce
The French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy initiated a mandatory report-
ing program for nanomaterials, which took effect January 1, 2013, to establish an inventory of avail-
able nanomaterials to help with both information gathering and trying to guard against unanticipated
accidents or malfunctions. Under Decree No. 2012-232, companies that manufacture, import, and/
or distribute a “substance with nanoparticle status” in an amount of at least 100 grams per year must
submit an annual report with substance identity, quantity, and use information. The report is due by
May 1 of each year for information about nanoparticle substances produced/imported/distributed
during the prior year.
‡
15.11.4 d
eNMark
Denmark is also considering creating a National Inventory. The Danish Consumer Council and
the Danish Ecological Council, in cooperation with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Environment, have developed a database intended to help consumers identify more than 1200 prod-
ucts that may contain nanomaterials.
§
The database is an inventory of products that contain nano-
materials or are marketed with the word “nano.” The website asks users to help “improve and
expand” the database “by telling us about products that claim to be 'nano' or you think may contain
nano materials.” Users are instructed to:
•
Search shop shelves and find products, where the word “Nano” appears on the packaging
or on the product itself
•
Note down product name, manufacturer, address, and website
•
Take a picture of the product
•
Check the Nano Database to see if the product you have found has already been reported
to the Danish Consumer Council
•
Fill out the form on the website
After a report is received, it will be forwarded to DTU Environment, “who will examine the
reported product and in turn authorize its publication in the database.”
¶
This initiative follows a draft amendment to the Danish Chemicals Act whereby the Minister
of the Environment would have the authority to write a detailed order establishing the rules for a
national database of mixtures and articles containing or releasing nanomaterials. The order would
also require producers and importers to report products containing or releasing nanomaterials. The
information in the database is intended to form the basis of an evaluation of whether the content of
nanomaterials in products on the Danish market poses a risk for consumers and the environment.
The Ministry plans for the first reports to be due in early 2014.
*
Id.
†
Id.
‡
Ministère de l'Écologie, Du Développement Durable et de L'Énergie. 2013. Prévention des Risques. La déclaration des
nanomatériaux devient obligatoire. http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/spip.php?page=article&id=30578.
§
Where's the nano? http://nano.taenk.dk/wheress-the-nan.
¶
The Nanodatabase. 2012. Welcome to the database. http://nano.taenk.dk/welcome-to-the-database;
see also
http://www.
mim.dk/Nyheder/20120917_nano.htm.
