Green Daily

In the FY2008 appropriations bill there was a tiny, $1.6 million set aside for a government study of nanotechnology. OK, not tiny to you and me, but tiny when compared to the $3 trillion total budget.

I'll leave far more brilliant scientific minds to explain the problems with the current regulatory scheme: Richard Denison, PhD, senior scientist with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), has written a couple of posts on the White House's approach to nanotech regulation (or lack thereof).

In any case, the FY2008 appropriations measure asked the EPA to take a look at current policy by March 25, 2008. They missed the deadline.

So, Senator Dianne Feinstein has asked the EPA what's causing the holdup. And her request is being supported by truth-is-stranger-than-fiction bedfellows the EDF, the American Chemistry Council, and DuPont. Apparently, the EPA very recently announced that they are launching a study, but will only spend $350,000. Yeah, I'm not sure where the other $1.25 million went either... But I'm sure Sen. Feinstein will be demanding an answer.

What's the concern about nanotechnology anyway? Well, medical researchers see a lot of potential in nanotechnology; tiny particles could be used to treat cancer without the harmful side effects of today's chemotherapy drugs. It might be used to generate solar power, or to make water potable. But there might be risks too. We simply don't know how nanoparticles absorbed through the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract effect long-term health.

If you want more information on nanotechnology, including nanomedicine, Science Friday has done a couple of shows on nanotech safety, potential applications of nanoparticles, and the potential environmental risks of nanotechnology.