Blue Frog's Dr Kai Paul, was invited as an expert speaker to the 8th Annual Nanotechnologies Industry Association (NIA) Symposium. He was invited to talk about the view from industry regarding nanotechnology regulation. 

The talk outlined critical next steps for the nano industry that would ease regulatory compliance. It focused on unified use maps on a sectorial basis and the derivation of specific release factors and exposure determinants which would ensure further realism and refinement of risk assessments and hazard communications for nanotechnology.  Kai, talked through how these are derived using examples from other industries, presented nanomaterial examples, the challenges of the task, why these are important and outlined varying ways to tackle the problem.  Unifying use maps and assessment processes would lead to e.g.: 

•Prescriptive sectorial approaches to use mapping

•Recognisable format

•Better DU and Upstream communication

•More informative (e)-SDS

•Quicker and more recognised risk assessments

•Easier evaluation processes

•Higher safe use limits 

•Acceleration of exposure based waiving

•Sustainable and expanded markets

The conference was also attended by nanotechnology producers and companies, regualtory authorities and researchers.  This gave an unbiased and clear overveiw of nanotechnologies their future,  regualtory and standards priorities and nano in waste.

If you are interested in finding out more about unified use maps or the topics covered please get in touch.