EPA & NANOTECHNOLOGY:

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1 EPA & NANOTECHNOLOGY: STRATEGY, RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES International Conference on Nanotechnology for the Forest Products Industry TAPPI Nora Savage, PhD US EPA, Office of Research & Development National Center for Environmental Research Environmental Engineering Research Division

2 EPA s Mission: To protect human health and the environment

3 EPA s Interest in Nanotechnology Promise for environmental protection Cleaning up past environmental problems Improving present processes Preventing future environmental problems Potential harmful effects to human health or the environment Regulatory responsibilities Consideration of environmental benefits and impacts from the beginning, as new technologies develop

4 NCER Extramural Research at EPA Applications address existing environmental problems, or prevent future problems (Approx. $15.6 M to date) Implications address the interactions of nanomaterials with the environment, and any possible risks that may be posed by nanotechnology (Approx. $10.2 million to date, excluding ultrafine)

5 Sponsored SBIR Nanotechnology Research Annual SBIR Solicitation Nanomaterials & Clean Technology (open March, close May) I. New nanoporous filters II. Nanoparticulate catalysts III.Metal free nano coatings and materials with smart characteristics IV. Solvent free production of nano ceramic powders V. Nano based devices for environmental monitoring & sensing VI. personal sampling device for airborne nanoparticles

6 Sponsored SBIR Nanotechnology Research Over 35 SBIR contracts awarded to date 28 Phase I 8 Phase II New Phase II awards soon

7 STAR Grant Work Wood treated with Biocide-loaded nps to prevent leaching Core shell nps with biocide contained in hydrophobic core surrounded by thin hydrophilic shell. For controlled release of organic and inorganic (Cu). P. Heiden, Michigan Technological University, 2005 Develop in situ remediation technique using starch and cellulose for destruction of chlorinated hydrocarbons Technique applicable for soil and groundwater remediation Results in stable nps for longer transport D. Zhao, Auburn University, 2005

8 2005 STAR Solicitation Environmental and Human Health Effects of Nanomaterials Joint with National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Dates December 20,2005 February 22, 2006 Approximately $8 M

9 2005 GRO Solicitation Environmentally Benign Manufacturing and Processing For under-funded institutions (< $35 M/yr) Opens November 2, Closes January 21, 2005 ~ 2 Million Nano option

10 2006 STAR Solicitation Environmental and Human Health Effects of Nanomaterials Joint with National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Anticipated Opening Date Fall GRO Solicitation Environmental Applications of Nanomaterials Joint with National University of Singapore (NUS) Anticipated Opening Date Fall 2006

11 NCER Nanotechnology Grantees STAR & GRO Nano Grants - Applications & Implications N = 65 Grantees Tox 16% Fate/Trn 13% Expos 11% Trtmnt 7% Aerosol 3% LCA 3% Sensor 19% Grn Man 11% Remed 17% Aerosol LCA Grn Man Remed Sensor Trtmnt Fate/Trn Tox Expos Applications 35 $12,207,483 Implications 30 $10,405,860

12 STAR Grantees Meeting Proceedings

13 NCER s New Nano Web Page Nanotechnology Factsheet Solicitations Newsroom Research Projects Publications & Proceedings Nanotechnology Home Nanotechnology has both applications and implications for the environment. EPA is supporting research in this technology while evaluating its regulatory responsibility to protect the environment and human health. This site highlights EPA s research in nanotechnology and provides useful information on related research at EPA and in other organizations. Coming Soon EPA Website!!