Greening the Supply Chain Series: Emerging Issues in Environmental Purchasing of Health Care Products

Overview

Session Description

What material is so small that it can make products have unique properties? Learn about nanomaterials, what they are, how they are used and the issues surrounding this rapidly emerging technology. Nanomaterials have the potential for wide-ranging industrial, biomedical, and electronic applications. We will look at nanosilver used extensively worldwide in hospital and general practice settings. We will also hear recommendations regarding the information companies should request from suppliers who offer products and packaging that contain nanomaterials and why this transparency is important.

Widespread use of nanomaterials will challenge regulatory agencies to balance important potential benefits against the possibility of significant human health and environmental risk, highlighting the need to identify research priorities concerning this emerging technology. From socks to dietary supplements to medical devices, nanomaterials are increasingly being used in all aspects of consumer and health care related products. This webinar will provide an overview, the potential benefits and risks, the regulatory activities, and a framework for product transparency.

Learning Objectives

Understand the role and the impact of nanomaterials in products, particularly in health care
Hear a sourcing framework companies can use to know if products contain nanomaterials and the impacts
Learn the risks and potential health concerns associated with nanomaterials
Find out what regulatory agencies play a role and actions taken to regulate nanomaterials

Presenters

Dr. Todd Kuiken, Senior Research Associate, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
todd.kuiken@wilsoncenter.org
Dr. Todd Kuiken is a senior research associate for the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars focusing on the environmental health and safety and public policy aspects of nanotechnology. He is also collaborating with DIYbio.org on a project to ensure safety within the rapidly expanding community of amateur biologists.

Todd earned his B.S. in Environmental Management and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology, an M.A. in Environmental and Resource Policy from The George Washington University and his Ph.D. from Tennessee Tech University where his research focused on the air/surface exchange of mercury associated with forest ecosystems. As part of his dissertation he synthesized these results with other studies associated with mercury cycling, public health threats and policy alternatives to bring attention to the threats and need for an improved public policy dealing with mercury.

Amy Galland, Ph.D., Research Director, As You Sow
agalland@asyousow.org
Amy Galland is Research Director at As You Sow. In that capacity she researches, analyzes, and publishes industry reports on corporate social responsibility and benchmarks best practices in sustainability, product safety, purchasing, and supply chains. Amy also conducts the research for all shareholder campaigns and leads shareholder engagements on greenhouse gas reduction/renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental health. Prior to joining As You Sow, Amy worked as a consultant providing strategy, business development, marketing, and organizational design expertise to nonprofit organizations and small businesses. She has worked as project manager and production coordinator in the music industry and as an adjunct assistant professor of art history at Binghamton University. Amy was awarded an MBA and a Ph.D. in art history from the University of California, Los Angeles, an MA in anthropology from Stanford University, and a BA in philosophy and art history from Tufts University.