Nanotechnology Panel Goals and Objectives
The Nanotechnology Panel of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) is composed of companies engaged in the production, distribution and/or use of chemicals with business interests in the products and applications of nanotechnology.
In order to fulfill the Panel’s mission of promoting and advocating the development of nanotechnology products in conjunction with Global Product Stewardship and Sustainable Development principles, task groups (TGs) have been convened within the Panel to prioritize, focus, and work on specific categories of nanotechnology issues. These Task Groups coordinate the following initiatives related to nanotechnology development:
- Technical Development
- Policy/Advocacy
- Product Stewardship
- Communications/Public Outreach
THE TECHNICAL TASK GROUP is responsible for those tasks necessary to support the Panel’s scientific and technical advocacy activities.
Goals:
- Advocate a systematic approach for developing necessary information to assess and manage potential health and environmental risks associated with nanoscale materials.
- Coordinate with national and international technical, professional, and standards setting organizations regarding nanoscale materials testing.
- Develop and advocate technical comments/positions as directed by the Panel.
Objectives:
- Prepare nomenclature and terminology related to nanoscale materials for use by regulatory and standards setting organizations.
- Collect and review existing data relevant to hazard and exposure potential associated with production and use of nanoscale materials.
- Participate in developing a systematic approach for the testing of nanoscale materials including:
- Physical and chemical properties
- Human health assessment
- Materials characterization
- Participate in selected nano related national and international technical meetings and workshops to communicate key Panel positions (OECD)
- Maintain state-of-the-science expertise on the hazards of nanomaterials as a resource for the Panel, Panel working groups, customers, regulators, and other associations/advocates.
- Propose and manage research/testing projects for nanomaterials to further the science.
THE POLICY/ADVOCACY TASK GROUP is responsible for those tasks necessary to coordinate and implement the Panel’s policy and advocacy activities.
Goals:
- Monitor and positively influence the implementation of regulations and legislation likely to impact the development of nanoscale materials.
- Work for global alignment of risk based regulations related to nanotechnology.
- Work to facilitate alignment of positions within ACC.
Objectives:
- Identify potential partners to advocate consistent nomenclature and definitions for the purpose of promoting effective product stewardship practices and regulations.
- Motivate industry and government to provide additional funding for EHS research, which can help advance worker, consumer and environmental protection and informed product development, stewardship and regulations.
- Participate as appropriate in government advisory activities such as NPPTAC and related future EPA activities to ensure consideration of Panel goals and objectives.
- Participate as appropriate in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and other appropriate international activities related to nanotechnology.
THE PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP TASK GROUP is responsible for those tasks necessary to achieve the Panel’s mission of promoting proactive stewardship activities.
Goals:
- Foster the use of life cycle analysis methodologies appropriate for nano materials.
- Advocate guidance for the safe handling of nanomaterials.
- Harmonize product stewardship initiatives with national and international regulatory bodies.
Objectives:
- Collect and develop guidance for handling nanomaterials safely in the workplace and facilitate appropriate communication of known and potential hazards of nanomaterials through the supply chain.
- Coordinate with NIOSH, OSHA and other stakeholders to develop and share worker safe handling guidelines for nanomaterials.
- Identify and advocate as appropriate, issues related to the transportation, distribution, and waste management of nanoscale materials.
- Review life cycle analysis models for application to nanoscale materials and assess representative nanoscale materials using selected models.
THE COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC OUTREACH TASK GROUP is responsible for those tasks necessary to develop and maintain media and stakeholder awareness and increase public understanding of nanotechnology, and to broadcast the Panel’s activities and achievements.
Goals:
- Undertake message development to enhance the effectiveness of Panel activities and broaden the range and impact of the Panel.
- Initiate media and public outreach activities and materials to highlight the Panel’s unique role (particularly regarding responsible product stewardship of nanotechnology applications).
- Utilize existing ACC communications channels to increase Panel visibility and seek opportunities to increase visibility in other venues.
- Continuously develop and refine technical and non-technical communications tools and promote Panel outreach activities.
Objectives:
- Develop media strategies and communications tools in a timely manner.
- Coordinate and lead activities to engage media and stakeholders in a continuous productive dialogue about nanotechnology.
