The American Public Health Association (APHA) recently held its 134th annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, at which it adopted policies addressing 22 important public health issues, including nanotechnology. APHA’s key policy recommendations are:
- Increase federal funding for nano-related EHS research to $100 million.
- Encourage the voluntary participation by nanomanufacturers in the (i) collection of nano-related safety data and (ii) prevention of human and environmental exposure unless positive information exists to show it is safe.
- Have federal agencies (i) require the collection and submission of workplace and environmental safety data by nanotechnology businesses/manufacturers; (ii) recommend interim risk management measures; and (iii) "assure the education, health and safety of workers, consumers and the general public through promulgation of protective standards and regulations."
