Workshop Summary: Research Progress on Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Nanotechnology - Research Progress on Environmental Health and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials - page 88

Appendix C
Workshop Summary: Research Progress on Environmental,
Health, and Safety Aspects of Nanotechnology
On November 7, 2012, the National Research Council Committee to Develop a Research Strategy
for Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials held a workshop to obtain
input on research progress since release of the committee's first report, A Research Strategy for
Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials (NRC 2012) and to learn of
other efforts that were under way to address scientific uncertainties and infrastructure needed for a robust
approach to research on EHS issues related to ENMs. The workshop featured presentations by federal
agency and foreign officials, academic researchers, and representatives of nongovernment organizations
and industry on the scientific and regulatory framework for EHS research, on recent research progress,
and on applications of the results of research to risk management. Panel discussions provided
opportunities for expanded discussion of many of the issues raised during the presentations. The
information gathered in the workshop informs the committee's present report.
Setting the Stage—Emerging Issues and Emerging Materials
In response to questions regarding the possible EHS risks posed by ENMs, the workshop
documented increased efforts by government agencies—in particular the NNI, academic institutions, and
industry—to investigate, translate, and communicate information on the environmental and health aspects
of nanotechnology. This workshop was part of the committee's information-gathering effort to improve
understanding of the evolving research landscape as it developed its report. In opening remarks to the
workshop participants, Jonathan Samet, of the University of Southern California, chair of the committee,
reviewed the charge to the committee and key messages from the committee's first report, which was
released in January 2012.
Maxine Savitz, a member of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology,
described the NNI's investment in nanotechnology and specifically in EHS research. She commented on
recommendations in the Report to the President and Congress on the Fourth Assessment of the National
Nanotechnology Initiative (PCAST 2012). Specifically, Dr. Savitz highlighted needs for a higher-level
authority that is accountable for EHS research to ensure that better policy is made; for an increase in the
EHS nanotechnology research budget to about $25 million in cross-cutting fields, including informatics
and instrumentation development (a recommendation originally made in the present committee's first
report); for an emphasis on partnerships and interagency collaborations; for greater attention to worker
safety by industry; and for individual agencies to have implementation plans that result from the federal
strategic plan.
Michael Holman, of Lux Research, described trends in nanotechnology commercialization. The
nanotechnology industry is no longer focused on manufacture of novel nanomaterials but is interested in
integrating the materials into intermediate products. For example, he commented that most of the
industry's effort will focus not on novel material classes but on successful integration (and novel uses) of