The US must help set international standards for nanotechnology.

This article looks at the importance of internationally recognized standards in supporting global trade and for supporting risks management programs that protect human health and the environment. Because of the importance of these standards and the large role that that the U.S. plays in nanotechnology research, it is extremely important that they are active in international standard-developing work groups and committees. However, unlike other nations, the U.S. does not provide support for participation by their government sector representatives to work on international standards committees. The article looks at current international initiativs going on at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other national and international standard-setting organizations, and points out the importance that U.S. involvement has on ensuring the development of standards that promote global safety and health standards that are scientifically should, as well as technologically and economically feasible.