Dennis Utterback Office of Research and Development U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Federal Environmental Symposium June 6, 2007 Understanding the Benefits and Potential Environmental/Health Implications of Nanotechnology

Overview  Opportunities and Challenges  Pollution Prevention  Nanotechnology White Paper  Current EPA Nanotechnology Activities

Potential of Nanotechnology Revolution in science and manufacturing Hundreds of products on the market Major research investment Broad implications  Benefits to society  Little known about risks and exposure

Definition of Nanotechnology Nanotechnology -- According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative, nanotechnology is: “... the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.”

Types of Nanoscale Materials Naturally occurring (volcanic ash) Incidental (byproduct of human activity e.g., diesel exhaust particulates) Intentionally engineered (generally referred to as engineered nanoscale materials)

Categories of nanomaterials (in order of current use) Metal Oxides  Titanium, zinc  Ceramics, coatings, sunscreens Nanoclays  Strengthen, harden, fire-retardant Nanotubes  Coatings, automobile bodies, electronics Quantum dots  Exploratory medicine, self-assembly of nano-electronic structures

Generations of nanomaterials Passive nanostructures  Coating, colloids, polymers, ceramics, nanostructured metals Active Nanostructures  Targeted drugs, biodevices, 3D transisitors, amplifiers Systems of nanosystems  Guided assembly, robotics Molecular nanosystems  Molecular devices ‘by design’ atomic design, emerging functions

Nanotechnology function (and potential toxicity) derives from Size and Structure Size: large surface area, high reactivity Shape: spheres, tubes, fibers, rings, planes Crystal structure: function, reactivity, cell/tissue permeability Surface coatings: proteins, surfactants, increase or decrease toxicity of nanomaterials

What do we know? Some initial tox studies suggest effects in animals and need for further testing Many unanswered questions Some nano-engineered materials act differently from larger sized particles Much more research is needed

How can nanomaterials be used to improve the environment?  Applications to prevent, identify and solve environmental problems Sensors, treatment and remediation technologies, green manufacturing Implications for Health and Environment  Do these applications also have potential impacts?  What Risks to HHE to nanomaterials pose? Very limited toxicity, fate, and exposure data Very complex issue – many nanomaterials and product variations Basic issues of accurate characterization and appropriate testing protocols Exposure assessment limited by data and measurement challenges EPA Science challenges

The paper was written to:  Inform EPA management of the science issues and needs associated with nanotechnology  Support EPA program office needs  Communicate nanotechnology environmental science issues to stakeholders and the public Final version of paper available at Nanotechnology White Paper

From Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, The Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory

From Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, The Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory

From Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, The Nanotechnology Consumer Products Inventory

Products on the Market Step assists on vans Bumpers on cars Metal-cutting tools Sunscreens and cosmetics Longer-lasting tennis balls Light-weight, stronger tennis racquets Stain-free clothing and mattresses List from Dental-bonding agent Burn and wound dressings Ink Automobile catalytic converters Paints and coatings to protect against corrosion, scratches and radiation Protective and glare-reducing coatings for eyeglasses and cars Estimate over 300 consumer products on the market

Pollution Prevention Products – Products that are less toxic, produce less pollution, and are wear- resistant; Processes – Processes that are more efficient and that reduce waste; Efficiency of Resource Use – Processes or products that use less energy and raw materials because of greater efficiency.

Other Environmental Applications Remediation Green chemistry Green manufacturing

Risk Assessment: A Life-Cycle Approach Raw Material Production Consumer Product Manufacturing Consumer UsesEnd of Life Worker ExposureConsumer Exposure Recycle Human and Ecological Exposure Industrial EmissionsLandfills, IncineratorsProduct Usage

NSTC/OSTP PCAST Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee Federal Agencies CPSC, EPA, FDA, NASA, NIH, NIOSH, NRC, NSF, ITIC Departments DOC/NIST, DOC/USPTO, DOC, DOE, DOJ, DOS, DOT. DOTreas, DHS, USDA Nanotech Health And Environ. Impacts Workgroup Industry workgroups - Electronics - Automotive - Chemical Federal Coordinating Structure for NNI

EPA’s Role  Leadership in environmental applications and implications of nanotechnology  Work in collaboration with other agencies & organizations to identify research priorities  Support research directly and collaborate  Address nanotechnology under EPA’s statutes  Goal: to protect human health and the environment

White Paper EPA funded research (STAR/SBIR Grants) Pollution prevention conference (9/25-26) Potential EPA conducted research Collaboration  Other Federal Agencies  Internationally: OECD, EU, other countries  Professional and academic organizations Review of chemicals by program offices What is EPA doing?

EPA Nanotechnology Activities: Research Extramural (STAR) Grants Through 2005, 65 grants awarded for approx. $22 million Approx. 50/50 applications and implications research Grants for 2006 on implications are in process of final selection/funding by EPA, NSF, NIOSH, NIEHS. Information available online at In-house Research Conducted research on ultrafine particulate matter Budget for 2007 provides funding for EPA in-house research Agency research strategy in development for integrated intramural and extramural research.

Additional Information EPA White Paper EPA nano grants