Sodium cyanide

Since our last bulletin, the draft Priority Existing Chemical (PEC) Assessment Report for Sodium Cyanide has been released for public comment and the comments received have been finalised.

The draft report was posted on the NICNAS website and removed at the end of the public comment period when Director's Decisions on Variation requests to the draft Sodium Cyanide Priority Existing Chemical Report were posted. The final report will be published in February 2010.

A number of major environmental concerns initiated this chemical assessment report. These included mass bird poisonings associated with the mining industry’s waste tailings dams, the potential release of poisonous gas when sodium cyanide comes into contact with water, and the acute toxicity to aquatic life, birds and animals as well as the chronic toxicity to aquatic life.

Environmental health impacts were not considered in this assessment. NICNAS has stated that this was due to information submitted during the consultation period that did not indicate a concern for environmental health impacts from the use of sodium cyanide. A CEF member has since raised concerns about possible down-stream impacts particularly for indigenous communities using related waterways for fishing, swimming and cultural purposes. The NICNAS assessment has considered release to waterways and the appropriate controls. However public and occupational health impacts were not included in the scope of the current report.

Phthalates

Progress has been made on the Public Health Risk Assessments for Phthalates in children’s toys, childcare articles and cosmetics with a report on Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) to be released for public comment on 25 January 2010.

As referred to in our previous bulletin, more than 100 phthalates are listed on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS) and NICNAS has identified 25 with a potential for use in Australia.

In 2005 the European Union Parliament, based on risk assessments, banned three phthalates for use in children’s toys and childcare articles. Anoher three phthalates were also restricted for use in toys and childcare articles that can be put in the mouth.

Six of these EU banned phthalates are currently being assessed by NICNAS.

Release of this important report will be advertised on the NICNAS website.

Goodbye to Liz and Hello to Andreas

Since our last bulletin, the CEF’s only public health representative – Dr Liz Hanna – has resigned, to pursue her work on public health and climate change impacts.

The CEF officially thanked and farewelled Dr Hanna at their 19th meeting, for her contributions to the CEF over the years 2004 – 2009. Liz's broad public health perspective and knowledge will be sorely missed on the CEF.

At the same meeting the CEF welcomed Dr Andreas Lopata (pictured above) who replaces Dr Hanna as the representative nominated by the Public Health Association of Australia. Dr Lopata brings to the CEF knowledge and experience in the field of nanotechnology and human health.

We look forward to working closely with Dr Lopata, particularly on the immense and sudden impact that nanomaterials now have in our everyday lives. We also look forward to the long overdue appointment of a second public health representative to fullfil the equitable representation of CEF.

Proposal for Regulatory Reform for Hard Surface Disinfectants

Public Consultation

NICNAS has held public consultations on a proposal that could see the regulation of hard surface disinfectants (those that are exempt from entry on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods - ARTG) move from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to NICNAS.

This is an important public interest issue as it relates directly to consumers of domestic disinfectant products. The public will largely be unaware that the numerous domestic disinfectant products available on supermarket shelves currently have little, if any, pre-market oversight of possible health and environmental impacts. The proposed regulatory reform by NICNAS has the potential to address aspects of this regulatory loop hole.

The proposed changes could result in assessment of individual chemical ingredients - though not products - under the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989. A mechanism will be established to ensure efficacy of the product is maintained.

The CEF encourages the public to respond to NICNAS's call for submissions on this important reform. Details can be found on the NICNAS website.

Nanotechnology - what's going on?

The main item at the last two NICNAS Nanotechnology Advisory Group (NAG) meetings of 2 April and 29 May 2009, was to discuss and consider a proposed NICNAS regulatory strategy for both new and existing industrial nanomaterials. The strategy, which was supported by all members of NAG, involves considering the appropriateness of the current regulatory framework for managing risks posed by the nanoscale forms of industrial chemicals not on the (AICS) national inventory as well as nanoforms of industrial chemicals listed on the inventory (taking into account the findings of the Monash University report: A Review of Possible Impacts of Nanotechnology on Australia's Regulatory Framework). 

Any proposed changes to the regulatory arrangements will be subject to public consultation and regulatory impact assessment. 

NICNAS commissioned Professor Brian Priestly to undertake a literature review of the HSE (Health, Safety and Environmental) effects of six specific engineered nanomaterials (including carbon nanotubes and fullerenes). Professor Priestly reported to NICNAS on his findings in October 2009 and these results will assist NICNAS chemical assessors to better determine any risks posed by industrial nanomaterials.

Outside NICNAS, the SafeWork Australia Nanotechnology Reference Group continues work to examine and address occupational health and safety issues associated with nanotechnologies.

The Department for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research released a discussion paper on the development of a National Enabling Technology Strategy – which will replace both the nanotechnology and biotechnology strategies – and sought the views of some stakeholders.

Community Engagement Framework

The CEF and NICNAS have reached agreement on the Community Engagement Framework: NICNAS Activities and Programs.

The Framework was developed to operationalise the NICNAS Community Engagement Charter. In particular it stresses the need for NICNAS to engage at the concept stage of each project so that community perspectives can be reflected in their scope.

Its effectiveness will be evaluated at the end of 2010.