Research on Nanomaterials
- What are nanomaterials?
- Why is EPA studying nanomaterials?
- What nanomaterials research is EPA conducting?
- How will EPA use this research?
- Additional Resources
What are nanomaterials?
Nanomaterials are partially characterized by their tiny particle size, measured in nanometers. A nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter or approximately 100,000 times smaller than the thickness of a sheet of paper. Materials manufactured to such a small scale are referred to as engineered nanomaterials (ENM). Increasingly, ENMs are being used in consumer and commercial products, including personal care products, cosmetics, fabrics, treated woods, paints, medical equipment, fuel additives, plastics and more.
EPA researchers are identifying and characterizing the unique chemical and physical features of nanomaterials, such as: size, shape, chemical composition, stability, etc.
Why is EPA studying nanomaterials?
Due to the rapid and diverse growth of engineered nanomaterials, it is difficult for regulators and risk assessors to understand the potential for exposure to nanomaterials and whether methods used for assessing risk of conventional chemicals can be used for nanomaterials. EPA is developing research to better understand, predict, and manage the challenges of nanomaterials.
EPA’s research is focused on characterizing the occurrence of nanomaterials, examining the transport and fate of nanomaterials in the environment, and estimating exposure to humans. Environmental fate describes the processes by which substances move and change in the environment. Due to the uncertainty about the unique characteristics of nanomaterials and their potential uses and effects, it is important to map the environmental fate of nanomaterials. This information can be used to help determine exposure and toxicity to humans and other species.
EPA is developing information to describe the relationships between key properties of nanomaterials and their environmental fate, transport, transformation, reactivity, and bio-distribution.
This research is coordinated with partners across the federal government through the National Nanotechnology Initiative.
What nano research is EPA conducting?
- Nanopesticides: Our researchers are creating an identification framework for pesticides containing carbonaceous nanomaterial, determining physical chemical properties and transport of these nanomaterials in the environment, and determining their environmental impact on watersheds.
- 3D printers: EPA is continuing work on quantification of additive manufacturing/3D printing incidental nanoparticle emissions and realistic estimates for exposure to aerosols and volatile organic compounds.
- NaKnowBase database: Our researchers are continuing to develop the NaKnowBase by adding novel EPA data and enhanced interoperability of nano environmental health and safety data with Federal partners.
- Nanosensors: EPA is funding research on the detection and remediation of drinking water and air pollutants with the use of nanosensors to identify Contaminants of Immediate and Emerging Concern, such as PFAS.
- Nanoplastics: EPA researchers are addressing plastic pollution in the aquatic environment by establishing reliable and reproducible approaches for detecting, characterizing, and determining the environmental fate and transport of nanoplastics.
How will EPA use this research?
As EPA develops scientific methods to study and evaluate the unique properties of nanomaterials, how they behave during manufacturing and product use, and end of life disposal, EPA and others will use the research to inform policy and regulatory decisions to better protect human health and the environment under the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
Additional Resources
- Nanotechnology Research Publications
- Microplastics Research Publications
- National Nanotechnology Initiative
- Science Matters: Celebrating 20 years of Nanotechnology Research at EPA
- 2021 National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan
- 2011 National Nanotechnology Initiative Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Research Strategy
- Nanotechnology White Paper (pdf)