| Summary: |
NanoSafe Australia was established in 2006 and is a group of Australian toxicologists and risk assessors who have formed a network to address nanotechnology health and safety issues. This position paper begins with a background of the Australian nanotechnology industry and existing regulations. Four different federal agencies are responsible for the introduction of new chemicals, depending on whether they are used for agricultural, food additive, medical, or industrial purposes. For industrial chemicals, the regulatory scheme is currently assessment only (not registration-based), while for the other three areas, both assessment and product registration are required. These present processes rely heavily upon the composition of chemicals, but fail to recognize the differences between nanomaterials and traditional forms of the same material. This gap must be addressed. The paper also discusses the issues surrounding nanomaterial exposure, including methods for limiting exposure such as personal protective equipment. |