Berkeley considering need for nano safety

Berkeley is proposing what a city official says would be the world's first local regulation of nanomaterials. The proposal, which comes as federal officials are considering regulations on the growing nanotechnology industry, is "the first actual regulation of nanoparticles per se," said Nabil Al-Hadithy, the city of Berkeley's hazardous materials manager. The ordinance goes to the City Council for discussion on Dec. 5, 2006. If approved, it would add a nanoparticles health and safety disclosure to a city law that already requires an inventory and safety plan from any business or other person handling large quantities of hazardous materials. Members of the city's Community Environmental Advisory Commission believe reporting at the local level is essential because so little is understood about the possible impact of the materials on human health