Risk Assessment for Nanomaterials: Current Developments and Trends
(printable directions)Full Day Continuing Education Course
29 May 2007, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Organized by Igor Linkov (Society for Risk Analysis/Intertox), Mike Ellenbecker (Mass. Toxic Use Reduction Institute), and Sam Lipson (Cambridge Public Health Department)
With 300 products in use today, what information do we have that demonstrates that nanomaterials do not pose unnecessary risks to human and environmental health? What areas are in need of EHS science? How could risks and environmental impacts of nanomaterials through the product life-cycle be minimized through engineering practices to improve product safety and to avoid potential future litigation? Our training course is designed to help you navigate the ever-changing world of nanotechnology.
The day-long training course will cover a diverse area of topics essential for professionals in nanotechnology and biotechnology, with nationally recognized experts from industry, academia, and government leading each topic. Participants will include government regulators, corporate decision makers, and science professionals in the field. Topics will include a discussion of the current understanding of nanomaterial risks, EHS state-of-the-practice in companies involved with nanomaterials, a discussion of current and anticipated regulatory developments in the field, a primer on the toxicology of nanomaterials (including ecotoxicological issues), and an assessment of appropriate occupational safety and health practices associated with these technologies.
Participants should leave with a broad knowledge of the critical issues in this evolving field, as well as the skill set to make decisions and prioritize challenges in their own organizations. Nanotechnology is a broad and complex area with many decisions that must be made. For example, some of the decisions could be based on predicting which nanomaterials will have favorable chemical characteristics and lower toxicity, identifying important knowledge and technology gaps, and developing effective communication with stakeholders and the general public. This course is intended facilitate making these sorts of decisions in an uncertain environment.
Lectures
Nanotechnology: Current State – TBA
Exposure to Nanomaterials – M. Ellenbecker (Mass Toxic Use Reduction Institute)
Toxicology of Nanomaterials: Human Health –TBA
Toxicology of Nanomaterials: Ecological – J. Steevens (Army Corps of Engineers)
Impact through NanoProduct Life-cycle – C. Bosso (Northeastern University)
NanoSafe: Controlling Exposure in the Workplace – M. Hull (Luna Innovation) and I. Linkov (Intertox)
Nanotechnology Regulation: EPA Views – US EPA, TBA
Nanotechnology Regulation: FDA Views – US FDA, TBA
Nano regulations at City levels: Motivation and Needs – S. Lipson (City of Cambridge)
Nano regulations at City levels: Berkeley Experience – J. Monica (Porter Wright)
Expert Understanding of Nano-Safety: A View from Canada – L. Sheremeta (National Nanotech Institute, Canada)
Linking Risk Assessment and Decision Analysis for Nanotechnology – I. Linkov (Intertox Inc)
Contact Dr. Igor Linkov, at 6172250812
ilinkov@intertox.com