Fed: Nanotechnology industry needs urgent regulation: ACTU
14 Apr 2009 12:59 AM
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CANBERRA, April 14 AAP - Australia's expanding nanotechnology industry must be regulated to protect the health of both workers and consumers, the ACTU says.
Citing Scottish research showing some nanomaterials - as minute as one billionth of a metre - might be as deadly as asbestos particles, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is calling for a mandatory national register of who is importing, manufacturing, supplying and selling the materials.
The ACTU has also recommended products containing nanomaterials be appropriately labelled with regular monitoring of the health of local workers involved in the nanotechnology industry.
"With animal tests showing some nanomaterials share the same characteristics and reactions as asbestos fibres, governments and business must not repeat the painful lessons of the past and allow another tragedy to occur again," ACTU assistant secretary Geoff Fary said in a statement on Monday.
"Until we know more about nanomaterials, we should regulate as if it is dangerous to human health."
Nanotechnology is already used in more than 8,000 everyday items, including some sunscreens, cosmetics, bed sheets, building materials and paints.
Mr Fary said regulations should be introduced by the end of the year to coincide with the start of Australia's new nationally-harmonised health and safety laws.
