Japanese to Study Nano Health Efffects

Yomiuri Shimbun has a story out on how the Japanese Government will evaluate the safety of nanotech materials. UPI has a brief English language story here. The effect of nanotech materials on human health and the environment will be studied with the thrust being toward the creation of environmental, health and safety regulations. Carbon nanotubes and fullerenes get a specific mention. The story states: “This will be the first time that the [Japanese – Ed. any?] government examines the effects of a new technology before it goes into practical use.”

I applaud the Japanese government for taking on this difficult task. This will be the most important study relating to nanotechnology, and I hope that the Japanese do it right. Any reported health effects, no matter how minute, will be used as a cudgel against the budding nano-industry. I hope they do these studies right.