ARCHIVE: Nanotechnology: Policy

Introduction to nanotechnologies

Nanoscience studies how the arrangement of atoms and molecules (the basic units of everything) affects the properties of materials. Nanotechnology is the application of nanoscience with the aim of designing and producing new or enhanced materials or products. Nanotechnologies have the potential to bring significant benefits to consumers, society, the environment and the economy through a range of applications. Examples include in health care, electronics and IT, food, environment, sport and clothing.

The case of nanotechnology

The Government response to the RCEP report on nanotechnology has been published.

On 12 Novermber 2008 the United Kingdom (UK) Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) published a report entitled Novel Materials in the Environment: The Case of Nanotechnology:

The report includes recommendations on how to address “ignorance and uncertainty in this area, which could also be applied to other areas of fast-paced technological development.”

Nanoscience and nanotechnologies

Defra's primary interest in nanotechnologies is in managing any potential risks to the environment and human health via the environment. This area was addressed by the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering (RS/RAEng) in their report entitled 'Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties'. The report sets out a number of recommendations for Government to ensure an appropriate control framework for nanotechnologies.

The Government's response to these recommendations was published in February 2005, and its implementation is being co-ordinated through the Nanotechnology Issues Dialogue Group (NIDG).

There is currently very little evidence on which to determine the potential risks posed by engineered nanoscale materials. It is therefore difficult to assess the extent to which current controls and regulations cover these materials, or the type of additional measures that may be necessary to control potential risks. To address this, Government has developed a comprehensive programme of research on potential risks and a Voluntary Reporting Scheme for engineered nanoscale materials.

Update on the Voluntary Reporting Scheme for engineered nanoscale materials: June 2009

The UK’s Voluntary Reporting Scheme (VRS) for Manufactured Nanomaterials was launched on 22 September 2006. This report provides an update on the scheme’s progress.

The VRS was initially set up as a 2-year trial initiative for industry and research organisations to provide Government with information relevant to understanding the potential risks posed by free engineered nanoscale materials.  During the 2-year trial thirteen data submissions were received, eleven from industry and 2 from academia.

Following the conclusion of the trial, we are currently reviewing the scheme in order to take a decision on a suitable way forward.

In considering the future of the VRS we need to be mindful of the broader context.  In particular we must consider how we might ‘build a bridge’ to any future European reporting requirements for nanomaterials, including those of the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation.   REACH is currently the subject of its own review, which aims to examine how the Regulation can be adapted to better address issues of specific relevance to nanomaterials.

The VRS remains open to further data submissions.

For further information on the VRS:

Enquiries contact: Steve Morgan, Defra, Tel: 020 7238 1580.

Environmentally beneficial nanotechnologies

Through our nanotechnologies research programme, Defra has also commissioned research into the the policy implications of nanotechnologies that will benefit the environment. The report of the study Environmentally bneficial nanotechnologies: barriers and opportunities investigates the opportunities and potential obstacles to adoption of a number applications of nanotechnology which could be used to cut use of non-renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This report explores the application of nanoscience in the areas of insulation, photovoltaics, electricity storage, engine efficiency and the hydrogen economy.  The report is copyright of the contractors, Oakdene Hollins Limited.  Any requests to reproduce excerpts from the report and other copyright enquiries should be addressed to the company, email: admin@oakdenehollins.co.uk  Telephone: 01296 423915.

Through the research programme, Defra is additionally enquiring into the policy implications of and barriers to applications of nanotechnologies that will benefit the environment. Potential applications include nanomaterials that can remove more efficiently pollutants from contaminated sites, and nano based sensors that improve our ability to detect and eliminate pollution.

Stakeholder and public engagement

All policy activities are informed by an ongoing programme of stakeholder involvement, centred around meetings of the Nanotechnologies Stakeholder Forum. This group is made up of key stakeholders from industry, civil society groups and academia.

Stakeholder involvement is complemented by the work that that the UK Office of Science & Innovation is doing to ensure wider public dialogue on the role and management of nanotechnologies in society. As part of this, the Nanotechnology Engagement Group has been funded to draw together and reflect on the different public engagement projects, and then feed key conclusions back to Government.

European and international activities

The European Commission have published a Nanotechnology Action Plan, which includes a section on risks to the environment and human health. Defra is working with the Commission to promote awareness of the Action Plan and the need for harmonised and consistent action across the EU.

Internationally, Defra is working through the OECD to similar ends, in particular focusing on collaboration on research priorities, and the harmonisation of test methods for assessing risks.

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Page last modified: 29 June 2009
Page published: 6 December 2005