Environmental Defense Fund and DuPont Expand Global Accessibility of Nano Risk Framework

(WASHINGTON, D.C., and WILMINGTON, Del. – July 9, 2008) In an effort to expand the global accessibility of the Nano Risk Framework, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and DuPont today announced the release of new translations of the Framework in three additional languages – Mandarin, French and Spanish. (The Framework executive summary also is available in Portuguese.)

The Framework – available online at www.NanoRiskFramework.com – was jointly developed one year ago to assist with the responsible development and use of nanotechnology and to help inform global dialogue on its potential risks. Since then, it has been downloaded over 3,000 times by visitors from nearly 100 countries around the globe.

Over the past year, the Framework has been applauded by a wide range of stakeholders. Industry associations like the American Chemistry Council’s Nanotechnology Panel and the NanoBusiness Alliance have publicly welcomed the Framework as an important tool for their member companies to consider. Government officials from numerous countries have commended the Framework as important input into the policy development process for nanotechnology. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has said it has benefited from the Framework as practical input into its programs on nanotechnology and nanomaterials.

Companies ranging in size from global leaders to small startups are starting to use the Framework in actual practice. For example, General Electric has endorsed and recommended the Framework in a public briefing, while the startup company Nanostellar has publicly announced its use of the Framework on its nanocatalyst products. In addition, DuPont has made the Framework mandatory for all of its nanotechnology work and published three case studies demonstrating its use on actual products. In December, Lloyd’s of London, the world’s leading specialist insurance market, encouraged insurers “to seek evidence of whether projects they are covering have followed this Framework.”

“We’ve seen strong global interest in the Nano Risk Framework over the past year from companies and organizations of all shapes and sizes,” said Gwen Ruta, vice president of corporate partnerships at EDF. “By translating this tool into multiple languages, we’ve made it easier for organizations around the world to address the potential risks of nanotechnology while embracing its powerful benefits.”

“We are very pleased with the number of companies and organizations that have indicated their interest and support for the usefulness of this document,” said Terry Medley, DuPont global regulatory affairs director. “The translation of the Framework and its website will certainly continue to drive further interest and use on a global scale.”

EDF and DuPont launched their partnership on nanotechnology in September 2005 to develop a systematic and disciplined process for evaluating and addressing the environmental, health and safety risks of nanomaterials across all stages of a product’s lifecycle – from initial sourcing through manufacture, use and recycling or disposal. The resulting Framework, launched on June 21, 2007, offers a thorough and usable six-step process for organizations to identify, assess and manage potential risks.

To download the Framework in Mandarin, French or Spanish, visit the following sites:
Mandarin: www.NanoRiskFramework.com/Mandarin
French: www.NanoRiskFramework.com/French
Spanish: www.NanoRiskFramework.com/Spanish

To download a copy in English, visit www.NanoRiskFramework.com

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Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.