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Regulatory Framework for Nanomaterials in Agri-Food Systems

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Nanomaterials: Ecotoxicity, Safety, and Public Perception

Abstract

The use of nano-materials (NMs) in agri-food system is alarmingly increasing in the past few years, and this warrants to evolve a robust regulatory framework to gain the fruition of the nanotechnology while ensuring environmental safety. This is one of the maiden attempts to bring the information together for the readers to learn the current status of understanding. This chapter outlines the state-of-the-art information on risk assessment strategy for NMs and reviewed the current status of regulatory frameworks in a diverse countries with scientific advancement besides highlighting some key criteria for evolving a foolproof framework. The data have unequivocally demonstrated that the nano-regulatory frameworks available at present are digitally divided, and still lacks clarity. Among them, the European Union is taking a lead step in formulating a nano-regulatory framework for agricultural sector which needs to be further fine-tuned to evolve globally competitive nano-framework ensuring societal acceptance and environmental health. Based on the literature review, a conceptual framework has been suggested that encompasses pre-assessment phase, exposure assessment and risk characterization for regulating the applications of agricultural nanotechnologies.

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Correspondence to Kizhaeral S. Subramanian .

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Subramanian, K.S., Rajkishore, S.K. (2018). Regulatory Framework for Nanomaterials in Agri-Food Systems. In: Rai, M., Biswas, J. (eds) Nanomaterials: Ecotoxicity, Safety, and Public Perception. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05144-0_16

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