| Summary: |
The UK Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, recognizing the importance of novel materials such as nanoparticles in consumer and industrial products, undertook an investigation of their properties, environmental and health impacts, and governance frameworks. This document contains the Commissions report, which focused on three priorities: functionality (focusing on specific nanomaterials rather than generalizing), information (the need for new research programs), and adaptive management (recognizing uncertainty regarding novel materials). The Commission recommends a large, coordinated research effort for environmental and health effects of nanomaterials, with emphasis on the use of in vivo models and greater interdisciplinary cooperation in toxicological research. In terms of governance, the Commission recommends that the UK government require companies to report any reasonable suspicion that a material poses a health or environmental risk. Such compliance should grant a degree of immunity from criminal liability from any subsequent problems developing from the nanomaterial. The report additionally suggests that REACH be adapted and amended as appropriate. Specifically, it calls for mandatory reporting at lower weight thresholds (in accordance with the precautionary principle) and a focus upon the properties of nanomaterials rather than size. |