University of Kentucky Receives EPA Grant to Study Nanoparticles

On August 20, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will announce the award of a $2 million grant to the University of Kentucky to study nanoparticles. This is the largest EPA Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grant ever awarded to the University of Kentucky as well as the largest single grant ever awarded by EPA STAR for nanotechnology research.

Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating extremely small particles – ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. As nanotechnology progresses from research and development to commercialization and use, it is likely that manufactured nanomaterials will be released into the environment. EPA is charged with protecting human health and the environment, as well as ensuring that the uses of engineered nanotechnology products occur without unreasonable harm to human health or the environment. This research will provide relevant information needed for risk assessments that can inform decision making related to nanotechnology products.

To learn more about EPA’s nanotechnology program: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/nano

For more information on this grant: http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/8800/report/0