PPG Industries has volunteered to participate in the basic program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program (NMSP).
The EPA launched the voluntary program in January to gather key scientific information to help it assess, and where appropriate make decisions on, chemical nanoscale materials in or slated for production.
“PPG has been engaged in innovative product development based on the application of nanoscale materials for some time,” said Jim Trainham, PPG vice president, science and technology. “As a leader in nanotechnology, we are committed to participating in broad-based government and private-sector efforts to support its safe and beneficial use.”
In a letter to PPG, James Gulliford, EPA assistant administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, said, “I believe that early and active industry participation in the NMSP can help ensure the responsible development, use and acceptance of nanoscale materials in the marketplace.”
PPG will participate in the NMSP basic program and voluntarily report available information on engineered nanoscale materials it manufactures, imports or uses. These data include information on material characterization, hazard, use, potential exposures and risk-management practices.
By joining this program, PPG continues to address environmental, health and safety (EHS) aspects of nanotechnology. A PPG associate served as chair of the American Chemistry Council Nanotechnology Panel, and PPG was a member of the Nanotechnology Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH) Consortium as well as a founding member and sponsor of the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center. The company also has participated in various congressional hearings and agency programs examining the EHS aspects of nanotechnology.
PPG’s nanotechnology solutions include patented innovations such as thin-film, optically clear nanocomposites for scratch and mar resistance as well as the reflection of infrared and ultraviolet light from glass.