Nano Risk Framework

EDF/DuPont Collaboration

The partnership between EDF and DuPont was announced in August 2005. Its goals are to promote responsible development of nanotechnology, encourage public discussion and influence federal policy on nanotechnology. EDF is a U.S.-based nonprofit environmental advocacy organization with a history of bringing together public and private stakeholders to address serious environmental concerns. DuPont is the world's eighth largest chemical company and the developer of such well-known materials as Teflon and Tyvek. Financial support for the development of the NRF came from the Woodrow Wilson International Center and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Key Components

The NRF was drafted as an off-the-shelf tool that companies could use to assess nanoscale materials in development or in use. Implementation of the framework is led by a product steward or leader, with the support of development, business, manufacturing, and EHS coworkers.

The NRF consists of six distinct stages, the core of which is development of detailed material information. The first step requires a general chemical and physical description of the material and its intended applications. The second step entails a detailed profile of the material's properties, hazards, and associated exposures throughout the life cycle. These two steps rely on existing test data and do not require the generation of new data. The profile established forms the basis for the remaining elements of the framework. The material profile addresses handling and exposure throughout the material's lifecycle by researchers, manufacturers, customers, and waste management. The second half of the framework focuses on assessing and managing potential risks presented by the material. In the third stage, the nature, magnitude, and probability of risks are assessed in the context of the material's life cycle. The framework recommends that new testing be performed when information gaps exist. If additional testing is not possible, reasonable worst-case assumptions may [Page 520]be substituted. Following risk assessment, stage four entails the creation of a material specific risk management plan building on any existing safety practices.

The final elements of the NRF rely on input from a wide range of stakeholders. A review team (including business, legal, human resource, and customer experts) analyzes framework findings and makes decisions regarding continued development of the material. This team also establishes a calendar of reviews for the material and associated risk management systems.

Response

Public and industry response to the NRF has been both supportive and critical. The document has been praised for establishing voluntary EHS standards for nanotechnology. Key industry associations such as the American Chemistry Council and the NanoBusiness Alliance advocate use of the framework for members. Companies such as GE and Nanostellar have adopted the framework in their current nanotechnology projects. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) used the framework to inform its nanotechnology policies and programs.

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