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The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment of Uruguay, co-hosted a "Side Event on Nanomaterials and Nanometals in Used Batteries" during the 14th meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG-14) of the Basel Convention on June 25th in Geneva, Switzerland. Read the full agenda here.
The event emphasized the importance of access to information, understanding toxic effects, emissions, and pollution prevention, and strengthening informed policymaking for the safe management of waste containing nanomaterials and nanometals. The importance of the 'precautionary principle' was highlighted to ensure pollution prevention and mitigate preventable consequences on health and biodiversity.
David Ogden, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS), presented the opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of the side event in enhancing the visibility of issues related to nanomaterial and nanometal waste on the Basel Convention agenda. He expressed gratitude to GAHP and the Government of Uruguay for organizing the event and highlighted the high caliber of the panel experts in supporting the informed decision-making process.
Maria Paola Lia (GAHP Executive Director) opened the floor by presenting GAHP and highlighting the strong interest in developing and promoting decision-making tools based on scientific information. She emphasized the importance of creating a strong link between the scientific/technical and political areas to adopt practices that reduce pollution and toxic exposure, thus protecting health and biodiversity. Lilian Corra (Senior Advisor of GAHP) coordinated the event and introduced the speakers.
Mr. Claude Chanson from RECHARGE, an expert partner for technical and legislative topics, presented on 'Nano in Batteries: Which and Why Are They Included' in battery design. He discussed how nanomaterials increase efficiency and battery life but stressed the need for continuous safety management improvements to keep pace with rapid advancements in nanotechnology. The different behavior of these materials due to their nano size necessitates ongoing adjustments in safety protocols during production (to address occupational exposure) and waste management.
Dr. Vyvyan Howard, Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists and Emeritus Professor of Bioimaging at the University of Ulster in the UK, presented 'Threats and Benefits Posed by Nanotechnology.' He warned of potential health threats posed by exposure to nanomaterials due to their unique biological behavior and characteristics, emphasizing the importance of emission control during production and safe disposal practices.
Mrs. Laurène Chochois, Senior Regulatory Engineer with the Environmental Policies team of the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), presented on 'Nanomaterials in European Chemical Legislation - Current Status.' She provided insights into the legal requirements for nanomaterials in batteries within the framework of European chemical regulations (REACH and CLP).
Alberto Santos Capra, Director of the Basel Convention Regional Center for South America and former GAHP Board member, closed the technical presentations session by discussing 'Nano in Products: Importance of the Informed Decision-Making Process.' He highlighted significant concerns about the lack of information (e.g., labeling) necessary for a healthy regulatory framework and safe environmentally sound management (ESM) throughout the lifecycle of nano-containing products, especially in LMICs.
Mrs. Judith Torres from the Ministry of Environment of Uruguay made the closing remarks, summarizing the discussions and outcomes of the session and Q&A. She underscored the importance of having these types of events for the informed and participatory decision-making processes involving all relevant stakeholders, particularly from the science and technology sectors.
The side event stressed the need for the precautionary principle to avoid toxic exposure to nanomaterials and nanometals (including nano-lead) and the necessity of detecting and controlling environmental emissions throughout their lifecycle. It also highlighted the importance of establishing a legal framework and technical guidelines to assist LMICs in informed decision-making processes and access to BAT and BET (Best Available Technologies and Best Environmental Practices) for managing nanomaterial and nanometal waste effectively, thereby reducing pollution and toxic effects.