Experts from government, academia, consulting companies, non-profit organizations and industry will gather to hear Dr. John Balbus, Chief Health Scientist for Environmental Defense offer the most up to date information on the potential toxicity of nanoparticles in an afternoon plenary “Quantum Leaps: Knowledge gaps in nanotechnology health and safety" on October 3 at the Dallas Convention Center during International Nanotechnology Week.
"Makers and users of nanoparticles need to understand the latest science on potential harm arising from these materials,” remarked Dr. Balbus. “The experts at the nanotech health and safety summit will provide just that."
Dr. Balbus will also convene panels to discuss workplace protections for handling nanoparticles and the frameworks available to help companies manage nanomaterial risks.
The first panel "Nanoparticles- Do protective measures really protect workers?" will answer questions about whether filtration and personal protective equipment works for nanoparticles and how medical surveillance programs can address potential risks from nanoparticle exposure. Speakers from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), University of Minnesota and TSI will be featured in this panel on October 3 at 1:30 pm CST.
On the following day, at 10:30 am CST, Dr. Balbus will speak on the panel "Containing the unknown: Risk management frameworks for nanotechnology product development" which will offer the latest frameworks for minimizing exposures and managing health and safety risks for nanoparticles. This panel will feature discussions of the Environmental Defense-Dupont NanoRisk Framework and lifecycle and exposure-based assessment and risk management programs that are currently being implemented by consultants from Gradient and Cadmus corporations.
More information can be found at http://www.nanotx.biz/
Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. www.environmentaldefense.org
