Shatkin quoted on proposed nanoscale chemicals rule
The Environmental Protection Agency should revise and re-propose a data collection rule proposed in April to address industry concerns and to provide needed clarifications, a toxicologist representing the American Chemistry Council's Nanotechnology Panel said June 11.
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Jo Anne Shatkin, founder of Vireo Advisors, a company that offers risk assessment expertise, market analysis and other services, raised a concern shared by other speakers about the proposed rule's definition of a chemical substance that would be subject to reporting requirements.
TSCA defines a chemical substance as “an organic or inorganic substance of a particular molecular identity.”
The proposed rule's definition of a chemical subject to reporting includes size parameters and the requirement the chemical exhibit “unique and novel characteristics or properties” because of its size.
How can a company measure whether its chemical has novel or unique characteristics or properties, Shatkin asked.
Various international and scientific organizations have described the physical-chemical property data identified in the agency's proposal as being of potential interest in understanding whether a nanoscale chemical would have the potential to harm human health or the environment, Shatkin said.
“However, we would need guidance,” Shatkin said.
