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United States Government Accountability Office

Environment and Public Works, U.S

GAO-10-549

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LS NANOTECHNOLOGY

Nanomaterials Are Widely Used in Commerce, but EPA Faces Challenges in Regulating Risk

What GAO Found

‘Companies around the world are currently harnessing the properties of aBoinaterlsTör use in products across a number of setors and are

‘expected to continue to fn new uses for these material GAO identified a

‘aroty of products that currently incorporate nanomaterials already avaiable In commerce across the following eight sectors automotive; defense and acrospace: electrons and computers; energy and environment: food and grieultre; housing and construction: meieal and pharmaceutical at personal care, cosmetics and other consumer prodcts, Within ench of these Sectors, GAO also identified a wide varety of ether uses that are currently Under development and are expected tobe asllable in Ihe flare

‘Tho extont to which nanomatorials presenta isk to human health and the environment depends on a combination of the toxley of specie ‘hanomaterals ad the route ad level of exposure to these materials [thou the body of research rele to nanomaterials growing, the current

‘understanding ofthe iss posed by these materials is uted This is because the manner In which some studles have been conducted does not allow for

‘all comparisons with newer studies or Beatie there hes been a greater focas.on certain nanomaterials and not thers, Moreover he abit to conduct necessary research on the toxlclty and risks of naomaterials may be farther hampered bythe lack of tols to conduct such stiles and the lack of rmorlls to predict the characteristics of manomalriai

EPA has undertaken a mulipronged approach o understanding and regulating the iss of nanomaterials, ineluing conducting research and Jmplementng a voluntary data collet program Furthermore, under its existing statntory framework, EDA has regulated some nanomaterials bit not thers Although EDA is planning to tsue adil regulations tater his {Year these changes have nol yet gone into effect and products maybe

"tering the market without EPA review of all valabe information on their potential risk Moreover, EPA faces challenges in eloctively regulating

"hananiaagils that ay be telessed nal, water and waste becatse tacks {he technology lo monitor and characters these materia the salutes include volume based regulatory thresholds that may'be too high for effectively regulating the production and dsposal of manomatenias,

Lie the United States, Australia, Cana, the United Kinglom, mndthe European Union have begun collecting dats to understand the potential sks ssaoclated with nanomaterials and are reviewing ther legslaive authontes {o determine the need for munications Austral andthe United Kinglom Ihave undertaken a voluntary data collection approach whereas Canada plans terequre companies to submit certain types of information Some US states, like California, have also begun to ales the potential sk fom

‘nanomaterials, for example, collecting information from manufacturers on

‘limited namer of manomateriss in se in those sates and making some of this information publily avilable

uma tates covenant Account onan

Understanding of the Risks Is Limited mã [BPA Has Taken a Mutipronged Approach to Managing the Potential Risks of Nanomaterials but Faces Varlous Challenges

in Regulating These Materials a (Other National Authorities Are Collecting information on ‘Nanomaterials and Are Evaluating Their Legislation to Ascertin

i Changes Are Needed “ Some State and Local Governanents Have Begun to Address the Risks of Nanomaterials it Conclusions Recommendations for Executive Action mm 0

Agency Comments a

‘Appendix T Objectives, Scope, and Methodology @

‘Appendix I ‘Comments from the Environmental Protection Agency 35

‘Appendix IT GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgments mm Related GAO Reports mm Figures

Figure 1: Examples of Nanomaterials as Raw Matera, Inermediates, and Finished Products 8

igure 9: Bxamples of Current and Potential Nanotechnology Imovations that May Be Used in an Automobile

‘Abbreviations cERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act EPA, Environmental Protection Agency

FIFRA, 180 Federal Insecticide, Fungieide, and Rodenticide Act Incernational Organization for Standardization NICNAS Assessment Scheme National Industrial Chemicals Notification and NẠI National Nanotechnology Initiative

8D Organisation for Economie Co-operation and Development RCRA, 'Resonree Conscralion and Reeotery Aet REACH Regulation, Bvaluation and Authorization of Chemicals SNUR Signiticant New Use Rule

TSCA w ‘Toxie Substances Control Act of 076 ¬ Wilson Center Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies

“Thais a wok of he US, gover ard inal uj o capri prlacson ne United Sates The publchad preauct may be eproauced ard aeutes ne sre

‘not ume pemeson fe GAG However oauee ne wort ay cota

‘Spygned msger or aher malar peices om the Soph alr may be receosry you wh opoduce hie mato separte

"The rem “nanotechnology” encompasses a wide range of innovations

‘nage on the understanding snd control of matter atthe scale of nanometers—the equivalent of one-illionth of a meter For ilustration, a sect of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick, s human bat is about 50,000 nanometers wide, and three gold stom lying side by side aze about Tanometer long, Unnsual properties ean emerge in materials ranfaetured athe nanoseale- including calle, electrical, magnet sechanical, optical, and thermal properties—that differ in important wayss Irom the properties of conventionally sealed materials Some ofthese new properties ean enhance products and thet appleatons across a number DoF sectors, ineluding electronics, medicine, an defense The world maeket for nanoieehnology-rlated products is growing an is expected to total 'etoeer ST ilion and $36 teilion hy 2015

Nanomaterials can oceur naturals be created inckentally, abe manufactured incetionals, For example, naturally oceurting nanomaterials

‘can be fount in soleanie ash, forest fre stoke, an ecean spray Incidental

‘nanomaterials are by-products of iustrial processes sul a ining ad metal working and combustion engines, sh as those used in ears trucks, And some tains In contrast, nanafactared nanomaterals(sometines

‘aled exgincered nanomaterials) particular fanetion or property, such as improved strength, decreased have been specifically desigred fora

‘Weight of increased electrical conducts Our review wil oes on manufactured nanomaterials, rater tha nano-sized materials tht occur naturally the ensironnient or are Incidentally peodiced, and far the renter ofthis report, we sil ell such materials “manufactred

‘nanomaterials or simply "nanomaterials" While the use of nanomaterials, Told promise forthe future, heir small size and unin properties raise

‘Geccia avout garcia aie’ oeuple Urine eerioiiene hat Pa result fom expose to them during their ranufacture, ve, tvlđi<poSg1 Risk is usually defined as the potential forharmul effets co uman healt

‘or the enviroament resuling from exposure toa substanee—in this ease,

‘anomaterias In general tems, sk depends on a combinstion ofthe

‘exposures person or the environment has Inerent roxtity ofthe ehemiea i other words, the same exposure (0 N80 a he substance as well asthe

‘hiferen: substances each with their on toxieny would rel in diferent Jevels of potential risk

‘The Environmental Protection Ageney (EPA) administers several laws that regulate chemicals pesticites, pollutants in air or wate, and wastes that, nay be composed of ar contain nanomaterials, ‘hese laws include the following

‘the Toxle Substances Control Act of 1978 (TSCA), which authorizes EPA, {o require chemical companies to report certain information abont

‘chemicals used in commerce and authorizes EPA to requte testing oF and

‘control chemicals that pose an unreasonable risk to human health oF the fensroainent, sinong other things,

‘the Federal insecticide, Fungicde, and Rodenticde Act (FIFI), whieh authorizes EPA to regulate te sale and use of pesticides and prohibits tuarketing of pesticides that have not been registered ith EPA the Clean Air Act, which requires BPA tose standards for common ar pollurants and to regulate dust sontees of hazardous it polltsats the Clean Water Act, which authorizes BPA (o regulate discharges oF pollutants into federally regulated waters

the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which establishes a framework for regulation of hazardoxs snd soll wastes and authorizes FPA 10 Issue administrative orders to address imminent hazards; 2d

‘he Comprehensive Fuviconmental Response, Compensation, and Liability set (CERCLA), commonly keown as Superfund, which authorizes BPA to

‘compe parties resporsible for contaninatingsiesto clean them up oF to

‘conduct cleanups self and thea seek reimbursement from responsible parties

(On the international level, other national muthoriies are also concemed hot the potential risks of nanomaterials and whether their curtent

"regulatory framework authorities are sufficient to address these sks, For

‘example, Australia, Cenada, the United Kingdom, an the Buropean Union Ihave begun to review their regulstary approaches for nanomaterials, Furthermore, the Ozganisation for Economie Co-operation and Developivent—a form in which the governments ofa developed

‘couintces, including the United States, work together to address economic Social, and envicontventalissves has established a "working party” on

‘nanomaterials In addition tothe international focus on this opie, some US states have begun to explore ways to addzess the potential risks of nanomaterials

In this cantex, you asked us to (1) identify examples of eusrent and potential uses of navomaterals, (2) detennine what is known zbout the potential hana healt and environments sks from nanomaterials, (3) Specifically assess actions EPA has taken Co beter understand and regulate the risks posed hy nanomaterials as wells ite authorities to do

0, and (1) vlentify approaches that selected other national authorities have taken to address the risks assoclated with nanomaterials in addition, you asked us to identify any US slaces and localities that have began 10

‘aves the sks fron nanomaterials

‘Toidentity examples reniomaterias, we analyzed dacumen's and reports tat discuss the of current and potential uses of manufactured

‘eurent and future uses of manufactured nanomaterials teh a8 market research reports produced! by Lax Researeh, an independent research firm that conducts market analysis of nanotechnology, among other things lm addition, we interviewed engnizantageney officials from the six US Agencies that conduct the malorty of nanotechnology elated research,

‘We also interiewed knowledgeable stakeholders, including officals fom

he National Navoteehwology inate, the Wikon Center, the Natal Academy of Sciences, Las Teseareh, and the NanoBusiness Alletee-—a, nanotechinology-related business association We nsed an iterative process, ten referred to as "snowball sampling.” to identify knowledgeable stakeholders and we selected for interviews those who would provide us with a broad range of pespeetives.on the current and potential uses of nanomaterials,

‘To determine wha is lnown about the potential! human health and cetvitonmental risks of mancfactured nanomaterials, we reviewed {documents that had been published by peer-reviewed journals, {government agencies, and international nonprofit organizations In

‘conducting this review, we searched databases, asked knowledgeable stakeholders to idensify relevant studies, and reviewed studies frm article bibliographies to ident sdtional sourees of ưørmailoh on the

potential risks Our review focused on 20 seh Sti, selected in part Dbecause they provided a synthesis of available research related to nanomaterials risks and eovered a variety of nanomaterials For the purposes ofthis report all the documents shidies, and synthesis shdles

‘we reviewed wil be referred fo as “shies” We also spoke with «variety ‘of knowledgeable stakeholders representing industry, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and the regulatory community, These inowledgenble stakeholders were also selected using a snowball sampling method,

‘the Clean Water Act, RCRA, aad CERCLA, We also reviewed data and reorts on EPA's Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program, whieh EPA

“developed to encourage companies ta voluntarily develop and submit tnformation tothe agency on the eharactersties of nanomaterials Furthermore, we consoited with BPA olfciais and legal experts to obtain

‘heir perspectives on EPA's asallable suthorities co resulate manutaetared nanomaterials

‘To entity the approaches that other selected national uthorities

‘Austealia, Canada, dhe United Kingdon, and the Buropean Unios—have used fo ndress the potential risks assoctated with manuactured Yenonigterls we analyzed these aries’ laws and relations that

‘would be applicable to regulating manufactured nanomaterials We selected these authorities based on interviews with knowledgeable

Background

‘stakeholders who identified them as having aken actions related co better uunderstauding assessing, or regulating the potential risks of nanomaterials To Mlentify any states that way be taking action with regent tovsanomaterials, we spoke with federal egalatory indasty and

‘vironmental groups and other knowledgeable stakeholders, inching

‘the Envizonmental Couneil of States

A more detailed description of our seope and methodology is presented in Aanpendis L We performed our work between May 2000 and May 2000, 30 accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards Those standards require that we plan and perform the aut to obiain suite Anptopriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis fo our findings ad

‘conelsions based on our aut objectives, We believe that the evidence

‘oblained provides a reasonahle basis for our findings and conclasions

‘based on our ait objectives

xnanomaterials While the NNT is designed to facilitate intergovernmental

‘cooperation and ken overarching goals and priorities for ranotechnology research, iis not a research program and hats no Funding

‘or authority to dictate the nanotechnology research agenda for partiipating agencies orto ensre that adequate resources are avaiable to achieve specific goals Instead, participating agencies develop sind fan their own nanotechnology research agendas In fiscal year 2009, six NNT agencies uecounted for over 95 percent of federal nanotechrology research reported, These are ihe Department of Defense, the Department

ff Buergy BPA, the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health, the Department of Commerce's National Institue of Standards an Teehwology, and the Nacional Selence Foundation

Nanomaterials cam take a variety of forms and can generally be organized ina four espe:

Carbon-based materials These nanomaterials are composed mostly of carbon, and are most commonly spherical, eliptiea, or tabularin shape Speriea and ellipceal carbon shapes are referred to as fllerenes, while

“mbular ones ae called aanotubes

Metal-tased materats These nanomaterials include nanoscale gol, nanoscale silver, and metal oxides, such as Gianiun dioxide They nisa

‘nce quantumn dots, which are closely packed semiconductor erytale

‘comprised af nndzeds oe thousands of atoms, on the see ofa few nastometers (oa few hundred nanometers

Domainers These nanomaterials ave nanoscale polymers built fom branched units The surface of a dendrimer has nimerous braach ends,

‘whiel can be tired to pervorm specific ehenteal functions Also, some

‘enalimers contain interior esvities inca which other molecules ean be placed, such as for drug delivery

Composites These materials combine nanoparticles with other

‘nanoparticles or with lirges,conventional-seale materials, Far example, ranopartiles, such as nanoscale clay ean be eombined with other matetals to form a composite maveral

IEPA uses 2 risk assessment proces to estimate the extent of harm, if any, that canbe expected from exposure toa given substance thronghout its life eyele and lo help regulators determine whether the risk meets the

‘requirements for taking setion under is statutory authorities, such as Danning the substanee's production or Hinting its use Te base isk assessment paradigm includes the following:

an evaluation of scientific information on a substanee’s hazardous properties—or toxiety—w hich may potentially affect human healt or the

#lironmeni

‘the dose-response relationship—the eelationship between the extent of|

‘exposure (dase) and the esuting ebanges is health or had fuacHoa (esponse)— deseribos the roxie eet of substance, and

‘exposure —the extent to whieh humane ofthe environment are expected tobe exposed to the chemical EPA is applying this isk assessment paradigm to assess the potential sks froi nanomaterials, EPA officials also told us that risk assessment is ot the only means of using scientific information For example, they sti that by using steen cheanisry and ie evele to inform decision making

‘assessment approaches, a materials properties may’ be moaliied or

‘exposure controls incorporated to minlanize and mnanage potential hề [Nanotechnology is an example ofa fast paced technology that poses challenges to agencies’ policy development and foresight efforts We have conducted past work looking at the challenges of exercising foresight when addressing potentially significant but somewhat uncertain tends" including technology-based trends that proceed atx high “lockspeed,” that is, (1) faster pace than trends an agency has dealt with previously oF (©) quantitative rate of change that is either exponential or exhibits a pattem of doubling or tipling within ord years, possibly ona repeated basis" As our prior work has noted, when an agency responsible for ensuring safety faces a set of potentially significant high-clockspeed technology-based trend, it may successfully exercise foresight by carrying

fou activites such as considering what is known shout the safety impact ofthe trend and deciding how to respond 10

reducing uncertainty as needed by developing additional evidence about the safety of the trend and

‘communicating with Congress and others about the trends, agency

responses, and poliey implications, Similarly, our 2tst Century Challenges report raised concern about

‘whether federal agencies are poised to address fast paced technology based challenges.’ Other foresight literature iustrates the potential future

‘consequences of falling hehind a damaging trend that could be countered

‘iron chemist stn own snaanalechemity, ihe sgn of chen pros

su procreesthedi etchant ed stmt lo coal pec mig relia ae geeTtion of azar tao

“Gno, phew Sty: Foenght Innes Catone DOT rts Asses nd Resa

oN Perko tea Tends, G09 (Meshing DOr 9, 8),

‘GAO, 2a CotaryChatengs: Recsaining the Bat of th eter Goerament GAS 2S Waakingan D.C: Feb 309)

by ealy action These analyses suggest that mnless agencies and Congress

‘ean slay abreast of tehiological changes, sich 2s nanotechnology, thes nay find dhemselves “in a constant eatelvup position and lose ce eapaciey toshape outeomes:

Industries around the world ave harnessing the properies of nanomaterials for a yurety of prolucts across e nutnber of sectors and are

‘expected ro continue Co fn new uses for these materials Nanomaterials

‘can enter the marketplace as materials themselves as intermediates that either hace nanosealefeatizes or Meorporate nanomaterials, da final

‘nano-enabled products (se Ns 1) Far exaaple, a manifaccrer ofc

!nznopartcies can provide them to aplastic manufaetarer, who ean use thems to enhance a composite material (an intermediate) The plastic manufacturer can then sel the composite material oan antomabile

‘nnufacter, who cay use the matertal to nol parts for ears (nan:

in 2008." The list contains information on products from aver 20 countries

‘hat ean be purchased and use hy consumers and provides a baseline for understating the extent to which nanotechnology isbeing Used AS Lhe Wilson Center hus reported, the trend of an inereased number of products and applications featuring nanomaterials i also refleced inthe number of

‘nanotechnology patents issued by the 5 Patent and Trademark Oflce rowing from 125 n 198510495 in 2005, whieh represents a compound annual growth rate of 0 percent The following isa ist of selected Industry sectors and some examples of current and potential uses of nanomaterials within each sector that ilastrate the ubiquitous nature of these materials in commerce Recatse assembling complete catalog of uses wo he dificult in an evaling, dynamic iistry the bats not

‘comprehensive, the examples ehosen are simply lastratve, and we have not verified the eines made by the manufacturers ofthe products used in these examples

‘neta, and carbon nanotubes resistant" Many nano-nabled products in the automotive sector involve to make these parts stronger, and mare fre the addition of nanoscale ceramie und metal particles toa wide variety of coalings These nanomaterials provide savantages for costings over

‘conventional materia, seh asthe abil to bioek ultraviolet (LV) light oF

promote self-cleaning without altering For example, coatings containing nanoparticles the tanspareney of the costings are currently dispersed in pains and pigments fo make surfaces stronger, smoother, more sera And stain resistant, waterproof, of some combisation ofthese and other properties n adiion, earbon nanotubes offer an especially high tense Strength —the ability to withstand Aout 100 Limes greater than tat of sce! aL one-sinth the weight, and their a stretehing force without breaking —of

‘lectrieal conductivity can be precisely controlled, whieh helps prevent the build-up of static electricity Asa result, when # wanfacturer of fac! Iines adds carbon nanotubes to traditional engineering material, reslts

In stronger, safer fuel hes

Inthe future, nanomaterials eould be used to improve the performance of

‘ars, elu reducing wear on engine partsand inereasing battery power and fue efficienes For exaampe,Iobeieants that contzin certain nanomaterials could provide smaler, stronger, and mare stable

alternatives to oflbased lubrleanfs In addition, electrodes clettical

‘condhctors that contain movable electric charges manifactured tthe nanoscale could enable higherperformance rechargeable batteries For

‘example, aecording o documents we reviewed one company that is đet lop[ng a new Ihiin-in battery for eletete vehicles Uses nanoseale metal oxide materials o create crystallized naroparticles that may enable this nano enabled battery to deliver 20 percent more power, Moreove fel adinives with nanoparticles of cerium oxide could imerease diesel engine hie efficieney.” One Btish company has developed such a plication fora fve-besed ative that, du to the sie-based properties

‘of cerium nanoparticles, ereaes a greater surfuce ares for etalyzing he ‘combustion eactions between diesel and air” According to this company, the result sa cleaner bura that converts more fuel to carbon dioxide, produces less noxious exhaust, and depasis less carbon on the engine evlner walls an other fel addives: Figure 2 shows examples of some current and potential nanotechnology innovations that may be used in automobiles

Defense and Aerospace ‘manufacturers seeking to take advantage ofthe electrical and mechanical ‘Nanomaterials are beginning to be used in aerospace applications by

strength advantages they offer and by the Department of Defense, which is Seeking ways to enhance the (oos available to lis soldiers andthe

effectiveness ofits weapons systems, Nanomaterial polymers are currently being used as sensors that detect very small traces of explosives, which indicate the presence of buried landmines, according to Department

“officials Ih addition, according to documents we reviewed, stronger and lighter planes that are better protected against lighting and fre have been made possible by using carbon nanotubes and other nanostructured

‘materials For example, one company has created a nanolaminated

‘material used for planes that is comprised of layers of metal alloys that are stronger, lighter, and more energy absorbent than steel In addition,

polymers wilh embedded silver nanoparticles Inhuding the interiors ofarerat, tree of microbes.” The palyners contain ae helping co Keep suriaces, nanoscale silver particles that, wien alded 10a products surface, release fons that kill buetora existing on the surface Companies are also Intradcing nanostructured alternatives to standard copper wiring For

‘example, one company has developed a process to ereate highly c0ndlucite sheets of fabri and lengths of yarn containing carbon

‘nanotubes that ean be used to exeate siting td cables for airlines and satellites that weigh much less than truitional eopper wire Inthe funte, nanomaterlas may help enable the development of new nplestions and prods across wide spetzu ithe defense aren, Including suveilance devices, explosives and propellants, and uniforms For exatuple, areording to Deparment of Defense officials and documents

‘we reviewed nearly “invisible” surveillance may be possible through the

‘ncorparation sd integation of tferent nanotechnologies, ined, aio Teequeney identification chips; integrated eines, ate Diesensors ane “intelligent fabrics, fl, and surfaces Miniaturized survellance techniques under reseaech include using live insects sps" bees) tagged with nanomaterials or tiny winged robots that emalate Insects fo ly ito 2 enemy station to record data Ih addition, more powerful conventional explosives and faster moving missles may be possible de to the greater amounts af energy provided by nanostrictred

‘laminin fn combination with metal oxides, suchas iron oxide,

‘ngnosemieharedalnzinn allows many more chemical reactions t0 occur Ina given surface area, increasing the explosive force Also, nanomaterials suchas carbon nanotubes embedded in fabric could slow fr liter

‘uniforms and mulifunctional combat suits fr solders The ni could potentially, for example, change color to match the encizonment, become iid eass o protec injuries, or help blaek bullets and

chetscalbiologieal agents, The matersal could even hvcorporate sensors that monitor a soldier's condition, or funetion as deus dispensers activated vtomatially va mio waves by a remote dactor,

Electronics and

Computers “Computers and consunvereleetronies have also begun to benefit fon the advantages nanomaterials offer, including proved display sereens and Innpraved eletscal condaetisty, Carbon nantes, quantum dots, and

nanoscale layers of polymers ean improve the properties of displays For

‘example, one company has developed an ultrathin, layered system oF polymers tat, nlike conventions! anid crystal dlsplays, requires no backlight or filters, The unagesare Drghter and clearer, and he technology could make possible full bendable plat displays, according tothe company In addition, since nanomaterials often enhance electrical conductitty, metallic nmopacticies and carbon aanatubes are being used Ina growing mimber of eonduedve coatings, steh as those used for {ouchsereens and solar eel, Aecording co documents We reviewed, one

‘company sells «transparent conductive cating and a costed fn, both Incorporating wanowires, which eonvducseletrety beter than traditional :nsteias The coating and film could eventually replace rare and

‘expensive int tn oxide, currently the most widely used transparent Conductor inthe display industry, Moreover, nanomaterials such 2 lea free, conductive slhesives could eliminate several sees in mannfacring leetronies and could led eventually 10 elimination of some or ll ofthe

‘3000 rans of toxic, leaded solder used every year by the US electronics Industry, seearding fo an EPA document

In he future, computers and electron devices could employ

‘nanomaterials to create more efficient data storage and longer-lasting, rechargeable bateres Memory storage deve enuld become more ‘powerful through a variety of panotechology applications New methods

‘of storing information eleetroseally are emerging fom m variety of applications aimed! at iseeasing the amount of iormation that can be Stored on 2 given plisical spare For example, one company has

‘demonstrated the potential ereate high-density memory desiees with an

‘estiated storage capacity of I terabyte per square ineh—more than 200, tines higher than the storage density of DVD—by storing information

‘mechanically using nanoscale this plastic film * In addition, companies, research institutions, and probes to punch nanoscale indentations into government labs are working to develop nanorhased technology tt cond perfect "microbatteries” which are smaller, eheaper, and more povwerfl than batteries currently in use The greater surface area ofthe nanowires

gad a nad yal oy abs a cae

Energy and Environment ‘Companies substicte nonrenewable resources with renewable ones, rede polition, ave begining to use nanomaterials fo clean up waste,

and inerease the eficency of solar power, Because nanoscale patiles

‘can be more chemically resetive than conventionally sealed particles of the same substance due to their large surface area to volume ratio, these materials ean be useful for environmental remediation Specifically the increased surface area of various types of ceramic or metal nanomaterials

“ân result inthe rapid reduetion of contaminant concentrations soi

‘water, ane ras pollutants or toxins in these media react with the nanomaterials Shularly, nanoseale ion i being deployed ina growing

‘number of environmental remediation projeess with results tha are proving suecesstl so fr, according f0 BPA officials Por example, at one remediation projet, researchers injected earbon infused with

;nanopartieles of ron into contaminated soll and found that the

‘nanoparticles made the resulting material more effective at absorbing

‘contaminants nanomaterials than sinilar materials without the nanoparticles In sadn, are being se to create packaging materials made front

‘waste, For example, one company produces nanoparticle paper coatings anade from renewable natural starches that ean replace conventional snaterial in paper coatings, which istypieally made from nonvenewable petroleum Nanonssterials ae also being nsed fo iqprove aomote tatastie converters, which feature nano enabled eaalyss that reduce ae pollution more efficients, One company is manufacturing etal

‘consisting of nanostructures with surface areas much higher than

‘raditional materais ae that allows cataltie converters 0 rem effective under protonged exposure to high temperatures, resulig in tore stable, durable, and cost-effective products, Inthe enengy ares,

‘nano-thabled thin-ty and photovoltaic technologies are making solar power more efficient For example, one company has reported gains in the biy of is thin fi solr cell materials to absorb igh, because the Structure ofthe wanomateral i much stale than the zvelength of Hight,

‘whieh allows to act hke an antenna that concentrates, absorbs, and transfers energy with hgh efficiency,

In the ure, nanorsaterals coud help deliver alcerative forms of energy,

‘leaner water and mote efficient eneray transmission Using nanoseale catalysts hyiragen-—an altemative froin water more efficiently For example, a company has developed a form of enengy~—could be produced photorlectrve thar uses nanoscale material and converts sualzht lnlo Inydsogen s0x mes more efficiently than its conventionally sealed

“equivalent.” In adaltion, nnotechnotogy-enabled water desalination and ration systems may offer affordable, sealable, aad portable water Heaton in the Future, Filters, comprised of nanoscale pores which incorporate a wide variety of nanomaterials including nanoparticles

‘made of aluminum oxide, ron, and gold an earbon nanotnbes—have the potential to allow water moleeulesto passthrough, but screen out larger molecules, suet as sat fons and other impurities sich 2s bacteria, viruses heavy metal, and onganie material aditon, nanoparticles could be

‘used to improve the efleency of energy transmission by increasing the

‘capacity and durability of insulation for undergeonud electzealeables, allowing cables of smaller diameter to camry the same power as larger

‘ables and to last longer, For example, one company's research shows that

‘able insulation treated with nanacomposites containing nanosiica have about 100 times ionger voltage endurance compared to watreated material In addition, researchers have demonstrated tha carbon nanotube fiber

‘bunds could arty 100 times mare electrical current than the leading {ransmission wives, without as neh energy lass Moreover, one study predicts that f energy transmission losses could be reduced from the

‘current 7 percent asing copper wires fo 6 percent hy using carbon nanotube fibers, che annual enersy savings in the United Seales would be

‘equal 1021 mln bartels of l!

Food and Agriculture "Nanomaterials are currently appearing in Food packaging aud food supplements Specifieals, nanomaterials are being used in food

packaging, where applications sul as antimicrobial oanatias thio layers of substanees meant to hamper the grow of bacteria and furgi— are intended to bolster food safety Also, composite materials made of ‘nanoclays embedded in nplon ean offer strong oxygen and carbon dioxide

‘arviers and have been gsed in plastic hotles and fils for packaging, food and beverages Bor example, one company produces a nylon ar cay

‘nanocomposite used as a flexible, puneture-esistant oxygen barrier for

‘beer and carbonated beverage botles in packaging for processed meats and cheeses; and in coatings for paper packaging forulee or dairy products Moreover, products such as ents hoards an food containers Ihave been infused with nanosiver—swhich is known for ts aninerabial

"rhe Fad and Dra nina iene reopen forsee the ty of

properties in addilon, encapsulation—the process of using one material {o.deliver nother material side the huma bodys bee in use for deeales bs being improved with nanomaterials, Nanoenearsiited food products and supplensents can target mitrients, release drugs on & controlled schedule, and mask tastes, For example, some vitamins ean be lificult 10 deliver in beverages beeatse they degrade and may not be easily absorbed by the body, One company has developed nanoscale structures to deliver the vitamin to the digestive spsteny making it exsier for absorption to aceur, Another manfactarer has used nanocepsiles $0 incorporate certain fay acids that have purported health benefits ito dread The company claims he aes in the nanacapaules bypass the taste Dau, emerging only after the nanoeapsules teach the stomach, chs avoiding ary unpleasant taste,

Tn the fature, manufactured nanomaterials could be used to entiance aariculeure; monitor food quality aid feshness: improve the ability to {ack food produets from point of origin to retail sie; and most the ste, exe, and fat content of fod Nenotnaterals are being developed

co more efficiently and safely administer pesticies, herbicides, and ferniiers by controlling more precisely when and where they ae released,

TR aởdlon, researchers are developing a nanseale powder tat ean Feta Water better dhan other materials an allows Fertilizers to gradually release nnatrients for erops or grass, according tothe Wilson Center n addition, researchers have developed nanobiosensos using nanoseale particles for

‘deeting bacteria, such a salmonella, in water and ad food The

‘work could lead to nanosensors that could be used in Fels co monitor for bacterial contamination of erops, such as spinaeh, lettuce, and tomatoes, potentially reducing the spread of food-borne nesses In addition,

‘letrieally conductive inks containing nanomaterials could be used 0 prin radio frequency identification Kags, whieh could be icegrated into

‘packaqing for food products, potentially resulting in improved foot security and better invontory tracking and management Figure 4 shows some examples of current and potential nanotechnology innovations that nay be used ina drink bode,

Housing and Construction ‘Materials and coatings are currently making buildings and homes cleaner and stronger, and in the future wll allow them to operate with higher

‘energy efficiency, according to documents we reviewed, Protective

‘coatings and materials that incorporate nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are being used to manage heat and light by blocking UV ight from the

‘sun's ways ane ave taking on self-cleaning properties through | phovoeatalyic effect." For example, ditsniun dioxide is being added to admls, cements, windows, les, and other prodiets fr is sterzing and

‘Seodorizing properties Additionally as Staniam dioxide is exposed to UV lig, i becomes increasingly hydrophilieattracive to water—and is therefore being used for aulifogsing coatings or self-cleaning windows Nanomaterials are also proving beneficial to the constewetion industry by for example, making seel tougher and concrete stronger, more durable and more easily placed, For example, one company has erated a Structural material with grain size reduced 0 the 200 nanometer scale,

‘whieh icelans haa stength-coesity ratio four Hines that ofthe {oughesttanian alloys and aso resists corrosion Inside the walls of

‘nailing, insltson mace from nanomaterials is proving high thermal performance at mininal weight and thickness, in addition, nanomaterials Are being incorporated into some ait monitoring technologies ai

tien pröducts, ad eneray-ficlent air condoning systems for Fesidentil,eannnercial, and industial settings Fo example, some ait fiters that sre onthe market use nanomaterials ( clean ai eter than

‘conventional materials

In the future, nanoparticle coatings on windows ad bldings could retain

‘energy from the sun fo lve release For example, researchers working

‘on phase change materials—aterials which absorb and release thermal

‘energj—have found that when graphite nanofibers are blended into these materlals the nanofibers prove reaill could be cheaper and more efficient uses of these materials for solar the matera's thermal performance The

‘energy storage In addition, naromaterials may offer approaches that

‘enable materials to “sefsneal” by incorporating, for example,

‘nanocontainers of a repair substance (ean epoxy) throughout the Inatevial When a erack or coreosion reaches a nanocontainer st could be {esigued to open aad release its repair material to il he gap and Sea he crack Figure 5 shows some examples of exrront and potential

nanotechnology innovations thst may be wsed in a hose

Pharmaceutical Dpecause the extremely stall size of ranomaterials makes possible medical ‘Nanotechnology interventions that ean be directed co individual cell types, allowing for i important to the medical and pharmaceutical industry

Detter diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eancer and other deadly slseases.” Current disease detection efforts include the use of nanoscale

5h Pod and brag Adan geatally pons or veacing he cfety and

‘sensors to identify biomarkers, such as altered genes, that may provide an arly indicator of cancer Doctors are also ising nanomaterials as markers {wenkiance images from deep inside human tissue, allowing them to tack particles tothe ste of tumor, reslting in earlier detection of tumors CCerizn nanomaterials such as polymer nanopanicls are being use to

‘neat eancer by delivering medieation directly to tumors while sparing

"he antimierobial wound! dressings, thereby requiring fewer dressing chante dssne- In addition, silver nanoeestals ae being used in

“and causing patents less pain,

In the future, nanomaterials could be used to help doctors better diagnose

“and trea disease In diagnosis, nanomaterials hold promise for showin the presence, location, and contours of cardiovascular and newrolgial sisease, and stall tumors For example, researchers conld use meialle and magnet nanoparticles to enhance imaging the rests of which can

be used to gue surgieal procedures and to monitor the effectiveness of nonsurgical therapies in reversing the disease or slowing Its progtession

In the fature, sensors implanted or delivered with a drug could allow for continuous and detailed health monitoring so disease might be managed better, turning a drug into a mlitanetional tool for diagnosis and

‘reatment For exanple, bio sensors could be attached (0 targeted drugs and linked co a mechanism that reports the bots’s eonltion Purthermor Aaccorlng to the National Insite of Health, gold nanoshells are beïng {eveloped to simultaneously image and destroy cancer cells using infrared light Nanoshells ean be designed to absorb light of differen fequencies, senerating heat Once the cancer ces take up the nanoshel’, scientists apply near infrared light thats absorbed by the nanoskels, eating an Intense feat inside the tumor that selectively lls ainor cells without clsturbing neighboring heathy cells Such a targeted delivery approseh

‘could reduce the anount of chemotherapy dey needed to hill ance

‘ells, potently reducing the side effees of eremotherapy, Medieal researchers are also exploring the use of nanomateriais to deliver

‘molecules und growth factors to promote beter healing for burns and

‘wounds that heal without scars For example, Department of Defense researchers have eonicted tess in aninvals sing naoniber wes scaffolds to teat bone, nerve, cartilage, and rouse injuries and have reported that preclinical data from the suis indicate improved healing (ther nanofibers are being developed for medical use 2 mesh barsiees to stop the flow of blood and other luis more quickly and effectively

Personal Care, Cosmetics,

and Other Consumer

Products

‘Nanomaterials are curecniy belng used ina varlegy of personal care lems,

‘cosineties, and other eonstimer products.” These products chide sunscreens that contain nanoscale ianiume dioxides and zine exiles,

‘shiek aet es physical filters that absorb UV light Because these

‘nanomaterials are smaller tha the wavelength of ight, they male Ssunsereens iransparent instead of opaque, and they may aso alere better ‘when applied and absorb harm ultraviolet rays more effectively than conventional sunsereens, according to stakeholders and documents we xeviewed Ìn addidon, nanomaterials ace beng inconporated inta ccosmetis, suet as an antiaging cream, which allows the active Ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin where they ean be most, effectively administered, according to dhe manutacturet, Nanomaterials are also being used ina wide range of other consumer products For

‘example, companies are using carbon nanolubes a reinforce a variety of sporting goods, such a hiyele ames, tennis rackets, baseball bas, and hockey sticks, because they offer greater strength and reduced weiht, while retaining, or even inezeesing, sifiness Companies are sing other nanomaterials improve the performance of products such as ska wax

nd teanis balls For example, a tanomaterial coating decreases the gS Deraneabilty in tenis balls and therefore allows the balls co maletain pressure for longer periods of me, aevording tothe compan prodielng,

‘he coating Nanomaterials fan clothing stain and water resistant, For example, one company embeds are also being use in coatings to make fabries

‘nanomaterials on the srfaee of fabrie bers, eating a cushion ofa Around ther The fabric allows sweat ta paseo, we also easing

‘surface water 10 head up aol ol off Another company has developed socks reated sith nanosiver for is sntimievobial properties

In he future, consumers may benefit from advanced applications that

‘could emerge from nanomatesal research aceurring ina variety of sectors For example, developments in Ute Wealth arena could lead to new, Dbeneticial pharmaccutic} therapies designed o treat aging and age related disease i addtion, according to documents we reviewed, researchers are working tome textiles funtional by combining

"wônhferred nanomaterials with materials that react to light to create power-generating clothing and nanosilver could he used in textiles to teat

‘nanomaterials, but eurrent understanding of nanomatena toxicity and

‘exposute is limited, according othe studies we reviewed

The Toxicity of Individut

Nanomaterials May Vary

According to Their

Properties and Affects

‘Their Risks

‘The tonleliy ofeach wanonvaterial way vary according 10 @ Combination of

‘he individual properties ofthese materials—ineluding size, shape, surface area, al ability to reet with other ehemeals and these properties alec,

‘the potential risks posed by nanomaterials, according to some of the shudies we reviewed! The properties ofa nanomaterial may’ fer from che properties of conventionally sealed material of te same composition For

‘example, the properties of conventionally scaled gold have been ell

‘characterized: gold is metallic yellow in color and does not realy react

‘with other chemicals Asa nanoparticle, however, gold can vary i eolor Fron) red t black ad become highly reactive Te following ae examples

‘ofhow coxieity may be atecte! by de properties of nanomaterials as

‘compare with their conventionally scale! counterparts:

‘wall, causing ell inflammation and poteabaly Teadg to certain diseases For example, the small size ofthese nanomaterials my’ llow them to penetrate deeper ino lung ssc, potentially causing more

Shape Nanomaterials may be produced ina wide variety of shapes, including spheres, tubes, threads, and sheets, as well as more omate forms, sich as danb-bells The shape of nanomaterials may’be ronnected {othe type of heal risks they may pose For example, some carbon rnotubes resemble asbestos bers: When ishaled by people, asbestos Tihcrs ace knots o ease mesotheliom—whieh Is ecsse associated

‘wth asbestos expostre The similarity of these carbon nznontbes to asbestos fibers has cased researchers fo question exposure to sich nanomaterials may lead to asmular disease Parthermnore, asd has

‘Shore that exposing the abdominal cavity of mice to certain long eaebon nanotubes may be inked with lanamarion of the abdominal wall The hdotninal cay in mive is often used asa surrogate for understanding hove te mesothelial ining ofthe human chest easity reäet t0 sibstances

Swasinoe area ancl reactivity Nanomaterials may also be more reactive with other chemicals tha similar conventionally scaled materials because nanomaterials have a higher surface area-foanas ratio, providing more area hy weight for chemieal reactions co occur Some studies have found {har hecase ofthis increased reactivity, some manoscle parIcles may bề potentially explosive and/or photoactive ` that ls sunlight tiggees 3

‘chemical reaction in them For example, some nanomaterials~sueh as nanoscale tani dioxide and silicon dioxide—may explode finely dispersed inthe ar and they come Into eantaet with a sufficiently strong Jgnition source However, in genera, the extent to which seh nanoscale sis may be more explosive than larger sive dusts of the same

composition is not fly known, according to the National Institute for

‘Occupational Safety aad Health, ther research has shown that particle surface area isa better predictor of toxic response to inhaled particles than s particle mass, For example, researct into nanoscale titanium dioxide in mice and rats has shown that particle surface area seemsto bea more appropriate measure for coniparng the effects of different-sized particles, provided they ate of the same ceva! structure

Risk of Nanomaterials Is Also Affected by the Route

and Extent of Exposure

Tn addition co toxiely, the risk that nanomaterials pose to hurians and the

‘environment also affected hy the rote and extent of exposure to such rraterals, Nanomaterials ean enter the human bode throug three primary routes: ination, ingestion, and dermal penetration

Inhalation isthe most common route of exposure to airborne nanoparticles, according Co the National Institute of Ocespational Health and Safety, For example, workers may inale nanomaterials while producing them if the appropnate saety devices are nat used, while

‘constiers may inhale nanomaterials when using products containing nanomaterials, such as spray versions of sunsereens containing nanoseale

‘ianium dioxide, Aecording to officials atthe National Institutes of Health, although the vast nlorty of inaled particles enter the pulmonary trae, fecidenee from studies on laboratory animals suggest shat some inhaled

‘nenomaterials may travel via the nasa nerves tothe bran and sein access {ihe Bload, nervous system, and other onzans, according to stodies we reviewed

Ingestion of nanomaterials may occur from unintentional hand t@-month ltansfer of nanomaterials of fot the intentional ingestion of

nanomaterials” Ingestion may also accompany italation exposure because particles that are cleared from the respiratory traet can be swallowed A large fretion of nanopartietes, ater ingestion, rapidly pass

‘ut oF te body; however, according to some ofthe studies we reviewed, 2

‘all emount may be aken up by te body ane then sagrate into organs

‘The effect ofthese sina amnainls of lngested nanomaterials is curently

‘unknown, but concerns have arisen from a growing body of evidence

‘which indicates that eerzia types of nanopardeles may cross eellulae

——

Nanomaterials may also be ubsorbed through the ki, Por example, one laboratory sd fas shown tha certath nanomaterials have penetrated layers of pigskin within 2¢ hours of exposure In adhtion, some casmesies and sursscreens—among the first commercial produets to incorporate ranomaterials—contain nanoseae dtu dioxide to snerease the ultraviolet ight-blocking power ofthe product, The nano titanium dioxide

Se oer of eponar ined re general for cin or commie exponen

‘is believed to he less toxte than other chemicals that have been used to provide ultraviolet protection in sunscreens However, according to some fofthe shies we reviewed, coneeres have Deen raised thal nanomaterials

In snsereens could penetrate damaged skin contrast, aecording (0

‘ffciis a the National Instcates of Heal, there are several stuies that Jhave foun tle dermal penetration rom nanomaterials when applied to undamaged skin, According wo some stakeholders we spoke to, even the kuown hazards of sn exposite, sunscreens eonIahlne hangmsterals may

de reasonable choices for the protection that they provide to cousters From sun exposure

In addition to the route of exposure, the extent of exposure—that isthe Frequency and magaitude—to consumers nel workers also afects the risks posed by nanomatevials Workers may be aeculentally exposed 10 rnomaterials dating the production af nanomaterials oF products

‘containing them, as wells during use, dispose! or reeling of these products At present, there is insafficlent information an te number of

‘Workers exposed to nantomaterias in the work place or the effects on human heath af sued exposure, according o the European Agency for Safely at Health at Work ly addition, ease nanomaterials have applicationsin many consumer products and the use of such materials in products is increasing, consumers have an increasing chance of exposure {oshese materials For example, consmers may now purchase appliances Sich as washitg machines coated wit silver nanomaterials purported te hall bacteria, When consters murchase seek a machine, tei coding

‘will he exposed tothe silver nanomaterials, hs increasing ther exposure Lonanomaterials Similary, consumers may now purchase socks

‘containing nanosihe, whieh expases them to this nanowatera Aceaning (BPA officials, occupational exposure is a particular eoneerm and warrants atention beeause te exposure and risk to workers is potentially greater than the rise to consumers.”

nanomaterials could enter water through discharges from production

‘ellis n aldton, when nanomaterals are used in pharmaceuticals,

‘cosmetis, and sunsereens, the nanomaterials cond enter water via Ihe

‘sewage aystem during washing, showering, or swimming afer having beew Applied ¢o the skin and may evendally end up ina waste water trealnent plant, These nanonwaterias, fanibacterial in nature an if released in

‘sufficient amounts, could potentially interfere with Veneffe! bacteria in seveage and waste Water tealment plants an could also contaminate

‘water intended for reuse, accor reviewed Moreover, some researchers have raised serious concerns that a some ofthe tudes that we antibacterial nanomaterials will pose tosieiy risks to huni healt ant

“environmental systems int whieh waste prodicts are released In addition, according to research, unused cosmetics are most kel to be tisposed of in household waste, whieh maybe incinerated, poteatially palling naromaterials into the ar, or putin alan, potentially lean

‘oat of tie lanai into the water In ddition, nanomaterials tha are

‘currently being used to teat polhited water wil result in leases of the materials into water and sol For example, iron nanoparticles are being ‘sed to Heat polluted water According to EPA officials, although tite is known about how these partiles mave through the envizonment they are

‘expected to react with contaminants o with naturally occuring Substances in water and become iron oxides Figure G shows the potential

‘exposures ranomaterils (o humans and the environment throughout the lfeeycle of

‘Currently, itis dieu to assess the risk of nanomaterials that are released nto the environment because these materials are so varied and it {s dffiealt to make generalizations are released, according to EPA officials Specifically itis unclear whether about how they will behave once they the nanomaterials will (1) stay suspended, 2) aggregate or cluster

together to form larger particles (3) dissolve or further break down, or (8) reat with natural materials found inthe environment For example, the release of earbon nanotubes, nanoparticles of ron and titanium dioxide,

‘or fullerenes—which are nanoscale spheres of earbon—into water may result in thelr agsregation, according to some ofthe studies we reviewed

‘These lager aggregates may have different toxicological properties when

‘computed to those exhibited by the original nanomaterials The rsk posed bby some nanomaterials is presumed to decrease i they aggregate because the nanomaterials may grow tothe size of conventionally sealed substances, according to some of the studies we reviewed However, the

‘extent of aggregation may be limited because many nanomaterials receive coatings to decrease the aggregation ofthese materials In addition, some

‘nanomaterials may react with the environment and eventually build up i

te