Cadmus Wins Sole Source Award to Prepare Nanotech Case Studies for EPA

May 29, 2007—Cadmus will develop at least three nanotechnology case studies for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use in developing a risk research strategy for nanomaterials under a recent sole source award. The work will be performed for the National Center for Environmental Assessment, which is part of the EPA Office of Research and Development.

The case studies are expected to cover two classes of nanomaterials—titanium dioxide and single-wall carbon nanotubes—that could be released into the environment as primary and secondary products or contaminants. Each case study will run about 20 to 30 pages in length and will describe the product life cycle of each nanomaterial including feedstocks, manufacturing, distribution, storage, use, and disposal or reuse. They also will consider environmental fate and transport processes pertaining to primary and secondary contaminants associated with environmental releases or emissions at each stage of the life cycle. And, as much as possible, they will include information on potential exposures to biota and to people, along with information on ecological and human health effects.

Besides research and writing the case studies, Cadmus will help EPA make final decisions on the nanotechnology applications to be covered. We also will help the Agency track and respond to comments on the draft case studies from as many as 150 peer consultants.