Epa will regulate nanomaterials

Another promising industry sure to be stifled in its infancy due to government meddling – one wonders how much innovation and what kind of world-altering technologies we have lost since the nanny state -- with its myriad alphabet soup agencies -- began in the mid-to late 20th century.


EPA: WILL REGULATE NANOMATERIALS FOR THE FIRST TIME

The Environmental Protection Agency has decided to regulate consumer products made with nanoparticles of silver that are marketed as germ- or bacteria-killing, Jim Jones, director of the agency's Office of Pesticide Programs, said Wednesday, the Washington Post reports. The decision marks EPA's first attempt to regulate nanoparticles, which are defined as materials on the scale of one-billionth of a meter.

Nanosilver, which can be incorporated into a variety of products to kill microbes, is advertised as an antibacterial agent in food storage containers, air fresheners, shoe liners, washing machines and other products. Environmental advocates have raised concerns that nanosilver in wastewater could kill beneficial bacteria and aquatic organisms, potentially creating risks to human health.

Under the new rule, any company wishing to sell a product that it claims will kills germs through the use of nanosilver must first provide scientific evidence that the product does not pose environmental risks. Jones said, "We will be able to evaluate them and ensure that these products are not going to do damage to the aquatic environment." The rule, which will be published in the Federal Register in the next few months, applies only to products specifically marketed as germ-killing and will not affect the majority of nanomaterials.

Jones said EPA will not act in cases in which a product contains nanosilver but is not marketed as germ-killing. "Unless you're making a claim to kill a pest, you're not a pesticide," he said. For example, the Sharper Image -- which previously advertised several products containing nanosilver as antimicrobial -- recently removed such references from its marketing materials. Mae Wu, a lawyer at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said, "It sounds like a major legal loophole and is probably something that will have to be dealt with in the courts" (Weiss, Washington Post, 11/23).

Originally posted by der schwarze Ritter
Another promising industry sure to be stifled in its infancy due to government meddling – one wonders how much innovation and what kind of world-altering technologies we have lost since the nanny state -- with its myriad alphabet soup agencies -- began in the mid-to late 20th century.


EPA: WILL REGULATE NANOMATERIALS FOR THE FIRST TIME
...[text shortened]... ething that will have to be dealt with in the courts" (Weiss, Washington Post, 11/23).

Originally posted by Redmike
Yeah. Anyone should be able to sell anything, make any claims about their products medical properties or its contents, put any ingredients they like into it and sell it to children.

Let's hear it for the free market.

Originally posted by der schwarze Ritter
Redmike, you are the master of hyperbole. What do you think the court system is for? People like John Edwards, who is considering a run for President of the United States in 2008, made his entire career (and fortune, though you wouldn't know it since he takes every opportunity to tell you he's the son of a mill worker) by suing medical providers ...[text shortened]... t, it corrects itself quicker and more efficiently than any worker’s paradise you slaver over.

Originally posted by der schwarze Ritter
Redmike, you are the master of hyperbole. What do you think the court system is for? People like John Edwards, who is considering a run for President of the United States in 2008, made his entire career (and fortune, though you wouldn't know it since he takes every opportunity to tell you he's the son of a mill worker) by suing medical providers ...[text shortened]... t, it corrects itself quicker and more efficiently than any worker’s paradise you slaver over.