Nanotechnology: ^
An EPA Research Perspective
Factsheet
Nanotechnology is one of the top research priorities for the U.S. government. The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is part of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), which helps coordinate and provide
direction for this emerging field. While many definitions exist, the NNI defines a nanotechnology as:
Research and technology development at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels, in the length
scale of approximately 1-100 nanometers,
Creation and use of structures, devices and systems that have novel properties and functions because of
their small and/or intermediate sizes, and
Ability to be controlled or manipulated on the atomic scale.
How does nanotechnology relate to the environment?
The laws of quantum mechanics often cause dramatic changes in the mechanical, optical, chemical and
electronic properties of materials on the nanoscale. These properties can lead to useful and enhanced
applications of nanotechnology in environmental protection including green manufacturing that eliminates waste
products; green energy technologies; sensors that improve monitoring; and treatment and remediation
techniques for cost-effective and specific site cleanup.
Manufactured nanomaterials might also pose risks to human health or the environment because of their
composition, reactivity and size. Thus, it is equally important to consider how nanomaterials could interact with
the environment and the associated risks. EPA is studying the effects of engineered nanoparticles in air, soil and
water to understand their fate and transport from a full lifecycle perspective. Risk assessment also includes
toxicity of engineered nanomaterials, as well as the routes of exposure and potential for bioaccumulation.
What is EPA doing?
The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. As new technologies are developed, EPA
must assess their potential impacts on the environment and develop appropriate policies for protection through
science-based decisions.
EPA has become a leader in planning research directions for the environmental applications and implications of
nanotechnology through its own research programs and by participating in the interagency Nanoscale Science,
Engineering and Technology subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council, through which the
NNI is managed.
In February 2007 EPA issued a "white paper" describing the key science issues that EPA should consider to
ensure that society benefits from advances in environmental protection that nanotechnology could offer, and to
understand and address any potential risks from environmental exposure to nanomaterials. The paper concludes
with staff recommendations for addressing science issues and research needs and includes prioritized research
needs within most risk assessment topic areas (e.g., human health effects research, fate and transport research) to
help EPA focus on priorities for the near term. The document can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/osa/pdfs/nanotech/epa-nanotechnology-whitepaper-0207.pdf
development
Building a scientific: foundation jar sound environmental decisions
www. epa. gov/ord
-------
EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) conducts most of the Agency's nanotechnology research
efforts. Currently, a team of ORD scientists and engineers are developing a nanotechnology research strategy
for the Agency.
ORD scientists and engineers from the National Center for Environmental Research also organize meetings,
symposia and workshops at various professional organization events to assess and direct efforts on the
environmental applications and implications of nanotechnology. Collaborators include academic, federal and
industrial researchers, policy scholars and nongovernmental organization representatives.
Through EPA's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Research Grants Program, 86 research grants for more
than $29 million have been awarded to study the applications (~$12 million) and implications (~$17 million) of
nanotechnology on the environment. STAR-funded research includes the development of low-cost, rapid and
simplified methods to remove toxic contaminants from surface water; new sensors to measure pollutants; green
manufacturing of nanomaterials; and more efficient, selective catalysts.
Current open solicitations available to researchers are:
> Nanotechnology Research Grants Investigating Fate, Transport, Transformation, and Exposure
of Engineered Nanomaterials: A Joint Research Solicitation - EPA, NSF, & DOE
(closing August 22, 2007)
> Detection and Monitoring of Engineered Nanomaterials (closing September 13, 2007).
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program was established by the Small Business Innovation
Development Act of 1982, and EPA is proud to be one of the 10 federal agencies that participate in the program.
The purpose of this act is to strengthen the role of small businesses in federally funded research and
development and help develop a stronger national base for technical innovation. Twenty-six small companies
have received 32 grants totaling more than $2.5 million for nanotechnology research on microelectronics
coatings, biocidal fungal control and fire-fighting foams for fuel and oil fires.
Since 2007, EPA's Laboratories have been exploring the environmental fate, transport and detection of
nanomaterials; human health and ecological protocols; risk assessment; and prevention and management risks.
For more information visit:
http://www.epa.gov/ncer/nano
June 2007
development
Building a scientific founduiion jar sound environmental decisions
www.epa.gov/ord
------- |