Nanotechnology Leads to Global Mesothelioma Concern

2009-03-25 03:53:13 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Mesothelioma Asbestos, Press Releases)

Organizations ask for improved nanotechnology regulations for the protection of workers.

MesotheliomaCancerNews.com– Advances in nanotechnology have prompted a global response in regards to associated health risks. As reported by Asbestos.com, The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is seeking more regulations for the safety of workers who deal with nanomaterials.As noted in the report, much of the concern has been prompted by the similarities between nanoparticles and asbestos fibers, which are linked to mesothelioma, and other asbestos diseases. Occupational and Health Safety Officer Steve Mullins is quoted in the report as stating in regards to the steadily growing nanotechnology revenue, “What is happening is a market is growing in an unregulated space and that is dangerous for workers. From our point of view, there are growing concerns about the health and safety impacts of nanotechnology.”Maxine McCall with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization is further quoted as stating of the challenges policy makers face in the matter, “If we’re to have appropriate and sensible regulation, the policymakers have to be appropriately informed. Right now, we don’t have sufficient information in my opinion to have sensible regulation so a lot of scientific research has to be done in this area.”Photo Credit:Wikipedia ja:User:Newsliner