| Summary: |
The Japanese government has launched new safety and standardization initiatives to ensure the safety of nanomaterials. These initiatives are occurring at the governmental, private, and international levels. A new five-year government project seeks to evaluate the risk of nanoparticles to humans through metrology, toxicology, and exposure analysis. Privately, the Nanotechnology Business Creation Initiative (NBCI) is also establishing committees to evaluate and set standards for measurement of nanoparticles. Internationally, the ISO nanotechnology technical committee has been combining the data and efforts of nations including the US, Canada, and Japan. Despite agreement in the industry that such nanotechnology standards are beneficial, some companies are reluctant to share information with these projects, fearing the loss of trade secrets. However, these projects are viewed as essential in persuading the public that nanomaterials are safe, an attitude that is seen as a prerequisite for future nanotechnology development. |