A new Lux Research quarterly report — "Nanomaterials State of the Market Q3 2008: Stealth Success, Broad Impact" — contains a section summarizing the state of nano-related environmental, health, and safety issues in the United States. The report contains a very helpful time-line of key nano-related EHS events occurring between the fourth quarter of 2007 and the third quarter of 2008.
Other highlights are Lux’s findings that the rate of nano-related publication has doubled in recent years; studies regarding the potential EHS concerns of nanoscale metals are approaching parity with publications concerning carbon and ceramic nanoscale materials; research papers on possible nano-related hazards far exceed those on possible nano-related exposures; there has been a demonstrable increase in research studies on possible nano-related ecological risks; public opinion regarding nanotechnology is mixed, but not negative; and NGO’s are still pushing for more regulatory action. Lux, of course, offers detailed analysis on all of these issues, and you can find out how to purchase a copy of Lux’s highly regarded report at http://www.luxresearchinc.com/contact.php
Lux, however, reached one conclusion with which we respectfully disagree. Lux thought the media coverage of the recent Poland Nature Nanotechnology article was "reassuringly judicious." You can see our prior post here which reflects our view that the media coverage of the asbestos-carbon nanotube analogy posited in the Poland article was overblown in our opinion.
C. Poland, et al., "Carbon nanotubes introduced into the abdominal cavity of mice show asbestos-like pathology in a pilot study," Nature Nanotechnology, May 20, 2008.
