Grants Awarded to Study Impacts of Nanomaterials

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded 21 research grants to explore the impacts of nanomaterials on public health and the environment. Along with the many benefits of nanomaterials comes the threat of toxicity, accumulation, or other adverse effects on humans and the environment.

Nanoparticles are already used in many consumer products such as cosmetics, fabrics, appliances, sports equipment, and packaging. Research proposals that have been awarded grants include studies exploring the impacts of manufactured nanomaterials on human cells, lungs and skin, aquatic life, bacteria, and the movement of these materials in the food chain and wider environment.

According to the National Science Foundation, the annual market for nanotechnology goods and services could hit one trillion dollars worldwide by 2015. The US EPA has also started a Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program (NMSP) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to collect data regarding manufactured nanoscale materials in the economy.

[via US EPA Newsroom]