In recent years, there has been a remarkable development and application of nanotechnology, nanomaterials manufacturing and nanotechnology products worldwide, which have many potential benefits as well as potential health and environmental risks, with relevant societal concerns.
Nanosecurity URUGUAY
In response to the recognition that nanotechnology and nanomaterials are an emerging issue at ICCM-2 and that countries should prepare a national report on the use and handling of such materials, the Basel Convention Coordinating Center, Stockholm Convention Regional Center for Latin America and the Caribbean, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), which establishes the importance for Uruguay of capacity building in Nanosafety as a key element to strengthen Chemicals Management, and in accordance with Chapter 19 of Agenda 21.
With the support of the Government of Switzerland, three countries, including Uruguay, are implementing a pilot project led by UNITAR in nanosecurity in the period 2011-2012. These participating countries are expected to present initial results at ICCM-3 (Nairobi, September 17-21, 2012), and share their experiences with other countries in their respective regions. SAICM has worked on Nanosafety, and this project will apply the concepts developed by SAICM to coordinate chemicals management at the national and international levels.
