Nanotechnology - The Next Asbestos?

Description

Nanotechnology is largely unregulated at present, but concern is growing that nanomaterials pose a potential threat to human health and the environment. The EPA recently reversed existing federal policy, ruling that consumer items made with nanoparticles of silver could be subject to regulation.

Could nanoproducts be the next asbestos – with as yet unknown environmental and health dangers, leading to staggering claims and losses in the future? Though the EPA now applies existing regulations to nanomaterials, new statutes and regulation could impair commercialization of the technology.

Companies utilizing or developing nanotechnology need to know how to operate now in an uncertain system, to ensure that new regulations are reasonable and effective, to protect themselves against “nano-tort” suits, and to maintain consumer confidence in their products.

This teleconference will examine recent regulatory developments and the application of several environmental laws to nanotechnology, nanomaterials and nanoproducts, and discuss strategies nanotechnology companies can take to ensure that they are able to benefit from nanotechnology’s promise.