Considerations for Implementation of Manufactured Nanomaterial Policy and Governance

Many policy frameworks for risk assessment of manufactured nanomate-rials have been developed worldwide. These frameworks range from voluntary methods and self-regulation to prescriptive regulation. In our view, the regulatory policies ideally need to include consideration of the risks and benefits of nanotech-nology, as well as risk perception and risk communication efforts. Further, the policies should: (a) take a holistic viewpoint, considering the entire lifecycle of a manufactured nanomaterial, including use, production, transport, and disposal, and (b) consider the ecological and human health effects for all of the reasonably foreseeable exposures. There is a need for adaptive management to allow reaction to new developments (e.g., new toxicology information) and to gain additional information through policy.^1-2