As nanotechnology gains ground, so do concerns

This article reports on the current state of nanotechnology research and development in the European Union, as well as some of the concerns leaders are voicing about its potential to cause environmental, health and safety issues as this development progresses. The European Commission is currently supporting a number of projects looking to help increase supplies of fresh water for southern European countries, as well as other potential green applications, such as producing power-efficient fuel cells, and to filter out harmful emissions from factories and vehicles. In a report released mid-June, the European Commission stated that current legislation for regulating chemicals, known as REACH, was adequate for now but they also emphasized the need for more research on the possible toxic effects of nanotechnology on human health and the environment, as well as the potential need for new regulations.