ASTM International, one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world, announced the formation of a new committee to develop international consensus standards, definitions, terminology, and procedures covering nanotechnology. A branch of science and engineering that deals with things smaller than 100 nanometers (1 nm equals one-billionth of a meter), nanotechnology may revolutionize all manufactured products, as well as medical, industrial, and scientific procedures.

Opening Doors to New Markets

In the quantum world of 1 to 100 nanometers, a material may possess strange properties that do not exist in its bulk form. Nanotechnology harnesses these electrical, thermal, optical, and magnetic properties to create more perfect products or unique products. Current examples include super-strength polymers, and bandages with remarkable anti-microbial properties. Dramatic future examples may include nanorobots programmed to attack cancer cells, or nanomachines that can replicate anything, such as fuel, water, and food. Consequently, the entire world, including the non-industrialized nations, are stakeholders in this new technology.

With nanotechnology research, commercialization and unfortunately, misinformation and hype growing exponentially, researchers, manufacturers, regulators, and academicians need agreed-upon standards for terminology, material properties, and measurement procedures. The absence of such standards impedes scientific communication, technical advancement, new business opportunities, and the publics acceptance of new or better products.

Establishing Committee E56

At a planning meeting on Oct. 1, 2004, held at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), key representatives from the many stakeholders affected by nanotechnology, including the government, academic, legal, and industrial sectors unanimously agreed to hold an organizational meeting for the development of this new standardization activity within ASTM International. Various disciplines, including consumers, manufacturers, suppliers, trade and professional societies, and federal agencies were invited to participate.

An organizational meeting was held on Jan. 18, 2005. The culmination of that meeting was a unanimous motion that ASTM International establish a new main committee on nanotechnology chaired by Dr. Vicki Colvin of Rice Universitys Center for Environmental and Biological Nanotechnology (CBEN). Committee E56 on Nanotechnology is charged with the development of standards and guidance for nanotechnology and nanomaterials. The structure of the committee consists of technical subcommittees in the following areas:

• Terminology & Nomenclature,
• Characterization,
• Environmental & Occupational Health & Safety,
• International Law & Intellectual Property,
• Liaison & International Cooperation, and
• Standards of Care/Product Stewardship.

Nanotechnology impacts every nation. According to Akira Ono of Japans National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and E56 Vice Chairman, "Nanotechnology is a scientific approach with a potential application as vast as the nano world is miniscule. ASTM International Committee E56 on Nanotechnology provides a forum for all existing technical disciplines to collaborate on a global scale." Twelve countries are represented on the E56 membership roster.

An early priority for Committee E56 is the development of a globally relevant, industry-driven terminology standard for nanotechnology. In an effort to facilitate this objective, ASTM has signed partnership agreements with the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and NSF International. These agreements focus solely on the issue of terminology, and will eliminate redundant resource allocation among a variety of standards organizations, provide for the pooling of technical experts in a single standards development venue and, consequently, help create a truly global terminology document in terms of input as well as application.

As this method of manufacturing will impact almost every conceivable product that exists today, it is critical that representatives from as many business sectors as possible give their input to E56. It is critical that they play a part in developments that will radically impact the economics of, and create new financial opportunities for, every sector of our economy. Conversely, failure to communicate with all stakeholders, including the end consumer, risks distortion, fear, and possible rejection of the many new products that can emerge from nanotechnology. E56 represents the chance to be on the frontier of what may be the most daring and monumental technological and economic development of the 21st century.

Open Meetings and Workshop in MayInterested individuals are encouraged to attend the next meeting of Committee E56, which will take place May 16-18, 2005, in Reno, Nev., at the Hilton Reno Resort. Following the meetings, on May 19, at the same hotel, Committee E56 will be cosponsoring a Workshop on Characterization of Nanomaterials for Medical and Health Applications. The workshop will provide a structured venue to address critical issues relevant to transitioning nanotechnology into clinical applications. Cosponsors of the one-day event are the National Cancer Institute, NIST, and the US Food and Drug Administration. For more information on the E56 meetings, the workshop, or for information on Committee E56, contact Pat A. Picariello, director of developmental operations (phone: 610/832-9720; ppicarie@astm.org), or visit http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/E56.htm.

Release #7127