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The perils of pre-emptive regulation

Nature Nanotechnology volume 2, pages 68–70 (2007)Cite this article

In its rush to introduce new regulations about the handling of nanomaterials, the city of Berkeley in California has made mistakes that should not be repeated elsewhere.

So far, nanotechnology — at least in the United States — remains largely unregulated. However, in December 2006, Berkeley became the first American city to regulate nanotechnology when it amended its hazardous-material reporting requirements to encompass nanoparticles1. Up until that point, scientists at the relevant government agencies took the view that with some tinkering, existing federal law is sufficient to manage any potential risk posed by nanoparticles2. Because many of the issues raised about the safe handling of nanomaterials apply equally across the world, regulators should study the impact of Berkeley's approach and use those lessons to assist them in developing their own nanotechnology environmental, health and safety (EHS) regulations3.

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  1. Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, 1919 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 500, Washington, 20006, DC, USA

    John C. Monica Jr, Michael E. Heintz & Patrick T. Lewis

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  1. John C. Monica Jr
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  2. Michael E. Heintz
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  3. Patrick T. Lewis
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Monica, J., Heintz, M. & Lewis, P. The perils of pre-emptive regulation. Nature Nanotech 2, 68–70 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2007.15

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