Nanotechnology White Paper - US Environmental Protection Agency

86 EPA Nanotechnology White Paper
• OPPT and ORD should evaluate sources of information for assessing chemical releases
and exposures for their applicability to nanomaterials. These sources, including release
and exposure tools and models, would be evaluated to determine whether they would be
applicable to assessing releases and exposures to nanomaterials. If found applicable, the
sources would be evaluated to determine whether additional data or methods would be
needed for assessing nanomaterials. Issues such as degradation would be considered
also.
• OSWER, ORD, and OPPT should evaluate the proper emergency response actions and
remediation in case of a nanomaterial spill, and the proper disposal of wastes from such
response actions.
• OPPT should define risk assessment needs for various types of nanomaterials in
consultation with other stakeholders.
• OPPT should consider approaches for performing exposure assessments for
nanomaterials for human and environmental species, including sensitive populations
(e.g., endangered species, children, asthmatics, etc.), in consultation with other offices
and stakeholders.
Some parts of the remaining exposure and release research initiatives below are
contingent upon completion of the risk and exposure assessment guidance documents noted
in the two paragraphs above. Until this contingency is met, many of the remaining research
needs cannot be fully completed.
• OPPT should lead development of exposure and release scenarios for nanomaterials in
manufacturing and use operations. This effort should be conducted by OPPT in
consultation with industry, NIOSH, and ORD, as appropriate.
• OPPT and ORD should evaluate and test equipment for controlling and reducing
chemical releases and exposures for their applicability to nanomaterials.
• OPPT, ORD, OSWER, and OPP should evaluate and test personal protective equipment
for controlling and reducing chemical exposures for their applicability to nanomaterials,
in collaboration with NIOSH and other external groups.
• ORD should lead development of sensors for monitoring personal exposures to
nanoparticles
6.2.5 Research Recommendations for Human Health Effects Assessment
The following is a prioritized list of health effects research needs:
Test Methods