PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG) has volunteered to participate in the basic
program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA’s) Nanoscale Materials Stewardship
Program (NMSP).
The EPA launched the voluntary program in January to gather key
scientific information to help it assess, and where appropriate make
decisions on, chemical nanoscale materials in or slated for production.
“PPG has been engaged in innovative product
development based on the application of nanoscale materials for some
time,” said Jim Trainham, PPG vice president,
science and technology. “As a leader in
nanotechnology, we are committed to participating in broad-based
government and private-sector efforts to support its safe and beneficial
use.”
In a letter to PPG, James Gulliford, EPA assistant administrator, Office
of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, said, “I
believe that early and active industry participation in the NMSP can
help ensure the responsible development, use and acceptance of nanoscale
materials in the marketplace.”
PPG will participate in the NMSP basic program and voluntarily report
available information on engineered nanoscale materials it manufactures,
imports or uses. These data include information on material
characterization, hazard, use, potential exposures and risk-management
practices.
By joining this program, PPG continues to address environmental, health
and safety (EHS) aspects of nanotechnology. A PPG associate served as
chair of the American Chemistry Council Nanotechnology Panel, and PPG
was a member of the Nanotechnology Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH)
Consortium as well as a founding member and sponsor of the Pennsylvania
NanoMaterials Commercialization Center. The company also has
participated in various congressional hearings and agency programs
examining the EHS aspects of nanotechnology.
PPG’s nanotechnology solutions include
patented innovations such as thin-film, optically clear nanocomposites
for scratch and mar resistance as well as the reflection of infrared and
ultraviolet light from glass.
About NMSP
In October 2006, EPA launched a collaborative public process to design
and develop the Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program. EPA announced
the final NMSP and invited interested parties to participate as
voluntary reporters Jan. 28, 2008, and it plans to publish an interim
report on the program approximately a year from this launch date. For
more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/oppt/nano/stewardship.htm.
About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings,
chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass.
The company has more than 150 manufacturing facilities and equity
affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. PPG’s
sales in 2007 were $11.2 billion. SigmaKalon, a worldwide coatings
producer based in Uithoorn, Netherlands, that PPG acquired Jan. 2, 2008,
had 2007 sales of $2.9 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York
Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.
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