Securing the Promise of Nanotechnology: Is U.S. Environmental

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Law Up to the Job?

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stron

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ENVIRONMENTAL LAW INSTITUTE

2006

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Background

Nanotechnology is the science and technology of controlling matter at the nanoscale.1

Nanomaterials have at least one dimension of 100 nanometers or less.2 A nanometer is a billionth

of a meter – approximately 1/100,000 the width of a human hair.3 Manipulating material at the

nanoscale can change the electronic, magnetic, mechanical and other properties of a substance;4

the smallest change in the structure of the nanoparticle can significantly impact the functional

properties that are exhibited.5 This emerging technology could significantly impact many industries

– from computer science to pharmaceuticals.