The Government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia announced that it would push for ‘national mandatory labelling of nano-sized particles used in workplaces and improved testing facilities to assess the safety of new nanomaterials.’

According to the press release, these moves are taken ‘in response to a parliamentary inquiry into nanotechnology.’

The NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research, Jodi McKay, said ‘nanotechnology could benefit NSW in many areas including medicine, energy efficiency, environmental monitoring, textiles, and the creation of jobs, but workers and consumers had to be protected.’

Ms McKay added that the Government would furthermore ‘raise the possibility of labelling of nanoparticles in cosmetics and sunscreens with the Federal Government. However, it would recommend a health impact assessment of nanoparticles before any changes, as labelling could deter people from using sunscreens to protect themselves from cancer-causing UV light.’

‘The Government's approach was to balance new enterprises and safety,’ she noted. ‘This is about ensuring we have a business-friendly environment for driving productivity and high-end jobs growth in nanotechnologies whilst making sure that appropriate mechanisms are in place to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.’

Follow this link to read the full press release. 

[NOTE: Registered NIA Members were informed about these and more developments in Australia through the ‘Meeting Report (from the NIA Delegate) on the ‘2^nd Annual Conference on Nanotechnology Law, Regulation and Policy’ (organiser: Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI), Washington DC; held at L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington DC). Registered NIA Memberscan download the full Meeting Note from the ‘Members only’-area on the NIA website (by following the link to ‘Meeting Notes (from the NIA Delegate)').]