Environmental and safety impacts of nanotechnology : What research is needed.

Testimony of David Rejeski, director of the Woodrow International Center for Scholars project on Emerging Nanotechnologies to the House of Representatives Science Committee. Rejeski summarizes some of the major toxicology studies on nanotechnology, that survey the public perception of nanotechnology, and the efforts of the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies to develop an inventory of federally funded research addressing the environmental health and safety implications of nanotechnology. Rejeski urges the need for more funding for this type of research, and the need for the U.S. government to develop a strong, clear plan for addressing the possible social and ethical implications of nanotechnology. He warns the current level of coordination and infrastructure for the National Nanotechnology Initiative is not sufficient to keep up with the pace of nanotechnology development and commercialization.