Nanotechnology:

Nanotechnology was identified as an emerging issue for the second meeting of the International Conference on Chemical Management, May 2009. The term 'nanotechnology' describes materials, systems and processes that exist or operate at the extremely small scale of a few hundred nanometres or less.

Nanotechnology:

The term 'nanotechnology' describes materials, systems and processes that exist or operate at the extremely small scale of a few hundred nanometres (nm) or less. To put a nanometre in context: a strand of DNA is 2.5nm wide, a red blood cell is 7,000 nm and a human hair is 80,000 nm wide.

Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials are already used in a wide range of domestic, industrial and food products such as food additives, fuel catalysts, sports goods, specialty building equipment, electronics, household appliances, sunscreens and other products. There is uncertainty regarding the health impacts of nanoparticles. Substances that pose no risks in larger particle form can be toxic when occurring as nanoparticles. Surveys show that many companies do not conduct risk assessments and there is no requirement to make public any safety data that industry does generate. In vitro studies have shown that manufactured nanoparticles, which are in widespread commercial use including zinc, zinc oxide, silver, and titanium dioxide, pose new toxicity risks. Carbon nanotubes cause asbestos-like pathogenicity and the onset of mesothelioma in test mice. A small number of clinical studies suggest that nanoparticles and small microparticles that are not metabolised can over time result in granulomas, lesions (areas of damaged cells or tissue), cancer or blood clots. There is also evidence from animal studies that some nanoparticles can cross the placenta, posing particularly significant risks to developing embryos. Some nanoparticles have been shown to be toxic to environmental organisms and to transfer across species, indicating a concerning potential for bioaccumulation.

Nanomaterials are now used in food additives, fuel catalysts, sports goods, specialty building equipment, electronics, household appliances and other products. In coming years and decades, 'next generation nanotechnology' is forecast to bring more complex nanodevices, nanosystems, and nanomachines .

International Conference on Chemical Management (ICCM2) , May 2009 Resolution on Nanotechnology.

The proposed resolution on nanotechnology prepared for ICCM2 adopted large portions of the Dakar Statement (Forum VI, IFCS September 2008), which recommends applying the Precautionary Principle as one of the general principals of risk management for nano materials and also recommends producers to provide information about nanomaterials including through product labeling.

The original proposal was substantially weakened and the final resolution opposes all reference to precaution. The final resolution recognizes that there are potential environmental and human health benefits and risks associated with nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials, and that further research is needed aimed at realizing the potential benefits and understanding better the potential environmental and health effects of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. They acknowledged that nanotechnologies are an issue of global concern to be addressed by a global open and transparent process and opens the possibility for modest (but worthwhile) actions to be undertaken under the umbrella of SAICM.

The resolution replaced precaution with 'encouragement to enhance capacity to use nanomaterials responsibly'. Labeling was replaced with encouraging wider dissemination of information on nanomaterials and instead of a working group, the resolution calls on relevant organizations (including OECD, ISO, and IOMC organizations) to "engage in dialogue with stakeholders to further understanding of nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials."

The ICCM requested that governments and other stakeholders, including the private sector, to facilitate access to relevant information and share new information as it becomes available; and invites governments and other stakeholders to develop a report on the issue, considering, in particular, issues of relevance to developing countries and countries with economies in transition for consideration at ICCM3.

Nanotechnology Documents:

Brief background information on nanotechnology and nanomaterials from Abidjan Africa - January 25th to 26th - 2010
The African workshop on nanomaterials organised in Abidjan on January 25th and 26th by UNITAR and the OECD, is part of the Strategic Approach for International Chemical Management (SAICM) intercessional activities. SAICM's overall objective is to achieve the sound management of chemicals throughout their life-cycle, and covers environmental, economic, social, health and labour aspects of chemical safety, at all stages of their life-cycle, including in products.

  Abidjan Africa 26-1-2010  English 59KB.
  Abidjan Africa 26-1-2010  French 52KB.

Brief background information on nanotechnology and nanomaterials from Kingston - March 7thh - 2010
Background information on nanotechnology and nanomaterials Latin America and Caribbean regional workshop on nanomaterials in Kingston on March 7th by UNITAR and the OECD, is part of the Strategic Approach for International Chemical Management (SAICM)

  Kingston  English 59KB.
  Kingston  Spanish 59KB.


  Nanotechnology and the Environment
Nanotechnology and the environment:
A mismatch between claims and reality
IPEN Nano Working Group and The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) paper

Nanotechnologies are presented as providing unprecedented technological solutions to many environmental problems including climate change, pollution and clean drinking water. Proponents claim that it enables economic growth through better products and new markets while dramatically reducing our ecological footprint. However there is emerging evidence these claims do not provide the whole picture, with serious environmental risks and costs being trivialised or ignored.
Any reductions in environmental impacts or apparent reduction of our ecological footprint, achieved by nanotechnology applications, need to be carefully assessed against the possibility that the environmental costs of nanomaterials production (such as increased energy and water demands) and broader environmental costs (such as expanded production, etc) outweigh the potential environmental gains for the environment. These 'downsides' to nanotechnology are rarely acknowledged, while 'benefits' claimed are often exaggerated, untested, and are, in many cases, years away from realisation. Our concerns about the potential negative environmental impacts and costs are made worse by the apparent reluctance of governments to develop appropriate and responsible oversight mechanisms in a timely fashion. In the document, we develop in more detail our concerns and propose solutions.

  Version: March 2010