Atlas Regulatory Toxicology slams EPA's proposed nanotechnology rule

Atlas Regulatory Toxicology, Inc., a human health regulatory toxicology and risk consulting firm, has submitted public comments this week on the EPA's proposed regulations on nanotechnology, calling the rule "premature."

“Nanotechnology is powerful because nanomaterials can go places larger-size materials can’t go and do things larger-size materials can’t do,” Atlas Regulatory Toxicology Director and Principal Jessica Ryman-Rasmussen. “This is why some people are concerned about potential human health and environmental effects.”

The rule, which would fall under the Toxic Substances Control Act, would require reporting and recordkeeping for certain nanomaterials, though the EPA does note that the regulations are not meant to imply restrictions or conclusions of risk about the substances. 

“EPA’s proposed rule requiring recordkeeping and reporting rules for nanomaterials is premature in the absence of 1) recommended characterizations; 2) recommended test guidelines (or standards) and guidance; and 3) recommended reference materials,” Ryman-Rasmussen said in public comments to the EPA. “These are needed in order to facilitate industry compliance and to ensure that EPA receives data of sufficient quality for risk assessment.”