| Summary: |
As of March 2009, Japan does not have any regulations governing the use of nanomaterials. These guidelines, released by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, are voluntary but intended to reduce the risk of environmental harm from nanomaterials. They call for manufacturers to build facilities which do not release nanomaterials into the environment, and if nanomaterials may be released, there should be a process to capture and remove them. Nanomaterials can also be managed through ventilation systems, incineration, and industrial waste disposal. Manufacturers should consider the possibility for released nanomaterials throughout all stages of product lifecycles, and take steps such as avoiding unnecessary crushing of manufactured nanomaterial-containing products. |