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Nanomaterials Environmental and health issues: The case for a precautionary approach

This presentation explores the need for a precautionary approach in dealing with the environmental and health impacts of nanomaterials. It discusses the known and unknown risks, the role of regulation, and the potential for innovation in the chemical industry.

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Nanomaterials Environmental and health issues: The case for a precautionary approach

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  1. Nanomaterials Environmental and health issues: The case for a precautionary approach David Azoulay, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  2. OUTLINE Introduction Health and Environment: knowns and unknowns Dealing with uncertainty The role of regulation and precaution Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  3. Nanotechnologies and nanomaterials is not only about our future, it is our present too. • Nanotechnology is new and exciting. • It is not the first technological innovation we have to deal with as a society (nor the last). • And there is a lot we can learn from our past experiences Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  4. Nano Tox 1.0.1 • Nanomaterials show distinct toxicological properties than the same substance in Bulk form, and size threshold is arbitrary • The potential toxic impact depends on particle numbers and surface area rather than mass • Release of nanomaterials can occur at every stage of the life cycle • The knowledge about nanomaterial toxicity is still fractional. Especially in relation to long term environmental, and chronic health impacts. Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  5. What we do know • CertainCarbon Nanotubes behave just like asbestos; • CertainNanoparticles have the ability to cross the brain/blood barrier and placenta; • CertainTi02nanoparticles can be transmitted across generations; • Some nanoparticles have shown toxicity to fish species and fresh water ecosystems; soil ecology and major crops etc… • Main toxicty mechanisms include Oxydative stress, Inflammation, genotoxic potential, reproductive nano toxicity, mechanical interaction and tissue changes, protein and lipid damage, and enzyme disruption. http://www.ciel.org/reports/toxicity-of-engineered-nanomaterials/ Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  6. What we don’t know • Which type of nanomaterials have the most potential for toxicity; • What happens to NMs in the gastrointestinal tract; • Limited (but growing) knowledge about toxokinetics; • Which nanomaterials are produced where, and in what quantities. Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  7. The uncertainty problem The field of nanotechnologies exemplifies the question of uncertainties inherent to the development of new technologies: Scientific uncertainties -Will endure. Unavoidable -Should not be obstacle to develop nanotechnologies responsibly, merely a challenge. Legal uncertainties -Technically avoidable -Extremely costly -Serious obstacle to a competitive chemical industry Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  8. If we want to minimize costs to business and public authorities alike, we must use the tools we have to deal with scientific uncertainties in the legal and policy arena: The Precautionary Principle: In case of serious potential damages, scientific uncertainty can not be used to delay adequate measures to prevent Their occurrence. Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  9. Yes but… Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  10. Does Precautionary regulation really hinders Innovation? Case study http://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Nano_ToxicRisks_Nov2014.pdf Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  11. New inventions in response to stricter laws Precaution and innovation workshop – Brunel June 22/23 2015

  12. “innovation is indeedbeing changed by regulation, butthat there is a redirection ofinnovative efforts into moresocially approved areas, ratherthan an absolute decline.” Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  13. PEN Salt Chemicals, 1947 Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

  14. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND QUESTIONS Contact: David Azoulay dazoulay@ciel.org http://www.ciel.org/issue/nanotechnology/ Kuala Lumpur SAICM regional meeting, March 23rd / 27th 2014

  15. Resources • http://www.ciel.org/news/ciel-partners-publish-recommendations-for-the-safer-development-of-nanotechnology-for-the-eus-reach-regulation-implementation/ • http://www.ciel.org/project-update/safe-development-of-nanotechnologies/ • http://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Nano_Reach_Study_Feb2012.pdf Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry, Bxl Sept , 9th 2015

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