The United States House of Representatives recently approved the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act (H.R. 554), which was sponsored by Bart Gordon. The bill is designed to support the future development of nanotechnology while strengthening research to understand the potential risks of its usage.
In 2008, the same bill, which was sponsored by Senator John Kerry at the time, failed to receive a single vote.
Due to the new legislation, those participating in the National Nanotechnology Initiative will have to create short and long-term goals in devising a plan for environmental and safety research involving nanotechnology.
Past reports have raised concerns regarding health risks from workers that may be inhaling carbon nanotubes during the manufacture of certain products. These carbon nanotubes closely resemble asbestos fibers in appearance, raising the concern that they may causes illnesses similar to those linked to asbestos exposure.
Some studies have indicated that only carbon nanotubes of a particular long, thin shape have the potential to cause diseases such as pleural mesothelioma, a cancer developing within the lining of the lungs.
Although uncertainty remains, Executive Chairman Sean Murdock of NanoBusiness Alliance (the industry association for the emerging nanotechnology industry) says, “This is an excellent, bipartisan bill. The bill updates the National Nanotechnology Initiative, first authorized in 2003, and adds new provisions in several key areas: addressing environmental, health, and safety issues associated with nanotechnology; improving nanotechnology education; ensuring that new technology moves from the laboratory to the marketplace; focusing research efforts in areas of national importance such as electronics, energy, health care, and water; and research into nanomanufacturing.”
The Environmental Protection Agency is especially concerned about the possible consequences of the use of nanotechnology. However, with bills such as the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act that address the health and safety issues of nanotechnology, people can rest assured that the risks of nanotube exposure are properly being explored.
In 2008, the same bill, which was sponsored by Senator John Kerry at the time, failed to receive a single vote.
Due to the new legislation, those participating in the National Nanotechnology Initiative will have to create short and long-term goals in devising a plan for environmental and safety research involving nanotechnology.
Past reports have raised concerns regarding health risks from workers that may be inhaling carbon nanotubes during the manufacture of certain products. These carbon nanotubes closely resemble asbestos fibers in appearance, raising the concern that they may causes illnesses similar to those linked to asbestos exposure.
Some studies have indicated that only carbon nanotubes of a particular long, thin shape have the potential to cause diseases such as pleural mesothelioma, a cancer developing within the lining of the lungs.
Although uncertainty remains, Executive Chairman Sean Murdock of NanoBusiness Alliance (the industry association for the emerging nanotechnology industry) says, “This is an excellent, bipartisan bill. The bill updates the National Nanotechnology Initiative, first authorized in 2003, and adds new provisions in several key areas: addressing environmental, health, and safety issues associated with nanotechnology; improving nanotechnology education; ensuring that new technology moves from the laboratory to the marketplace; focusing research efforts in areas of national importance such as electronics, energy, health care, and water; and research into nanomanufacturing.”
The Environmental Protection Agency is especially concerned about the possible consequences of the use of nanotechnology. However, with bills such as the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act that address the health and safety issues of nanotechnology, people can rest assured that the risks of nanotube exposure are properly being explored.
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