What is the NEHI Working Group?
The Nanotechnology Health and Environmental Implications (NEHI) Working Group is an interagency body established to address the potential health and environmental risks associated with the development and commercialization of nanotechnology. Formed under the auspices of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), the NEHI Working Group brings together experts from various federal agencies to coordinate research, policy development, and public communication regarding the safety of nanomaterials.
Identify and prioritize research needs related to the
health and
environmental impacts of nanotechnology.
Develop and harmonize
standards and
methods for assessing the safety of nanomaterials.
Facilitate interagency collaboration and information exchange.
Engage with international bodies to ensure global
consistency in safety practices.
Communicate findings and policy recommendations to stakeholders, including the public, industry, and policymakers.
Toxicology: Understanding how nanomaterials interact with biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels.
Exposure Assessment: Measuring and predicting human and environmental exposure to nanomaterials.
Risk Assessment: Evaluating the potential adverse effects of nanomaterials and developing risk management strategies.
Environmental Fate: Studying the behavior and transformation of nanomaterials in various environmental matrices such as air, water, and soil.
Regulatory Science: Supporting the development of guidelines and regulations to ensure safe use of nanomaterials.
Regular meetings and workshops to discuss ongoing research and emerging issues.
Collaborative projects that pool resources and expertise from multiple agencies.
Publishing reports and guidelines to disseminate best practices.
Engaging with international organizations such as the
OECD and
ISO to align global safety standards.
Data Gaps: Limited data on the long-term effects of nanomaterials hinder comprehensive risk assessments.
Interdisciplinary Coordination: Effective collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines and regulatory frameworks is complex.
Public Perception: Addressing public concerns and misinformation about the risks associated with nanotechnology.
Rapid Technological Advances: Keeping up with the fast pace of nanotechnology innovation and its implications.
Public consultations and forums to gather input and address concerns.
Collaborations with industry to develop safer nanomaterials and products.
Outreach programs to educate the public and policymakers on nanotechnology safety.
Partnerships with academic institutions to advance research and training.
Expand its research portfolio to cover emerging nanomaterials and applications.
Enhance its data-sharing capabilities to support evidence-based decision-making.
Strengthen international collaborations to ensure global safety standards.
Innovate in risk assessment methodologies to address the unique properties of nanomaterials.
By addressing these areas, NEHI aims to ensure that the benefits of nanotechnology are realized while minimizing potential risks to human health and the environment.
