Nanotechnology at Health Canada

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Contact: Director's General Office

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanoscience is the study of material and processes on a very small scale - the nanometre scale. A nanometre is a billionth of a metre, or a hundred times smaller than a virus. Nanotechnology is described as the application of nanoscience to develop new materials and products, and involves the manipulation of matter at the nanometre scale. It is a rapidly growing area that could touch upon every aspect of modern life.

Applications of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has a wide range of applications, from medical, environmental and industrial, to electronics, telecommunications, bioinformatics, and consumer products. The global market for all nanotechnology-related products is estimated to be $1 trillion by 2015, according to the United States National Science Foundation.

In the health sector, it is anticipated that the applications of nanotechnology would include new medical devices, drugs, drug delivery systems and diagnostic devices for improved detection and treatment of illnesses. Nanotechnology is also expected to be used for regenerative medicine, such as restoring eyesight, and enhanced surgical procedures.

In the food sector, nanotechnology could be used to preserve food, improve nutritional values and enhance flavours.

Nanotechnology also has the potential to be used for environmental and industrial benefits, such as for sensors for the detection of harmful contaminants, improved decontamination and recycling of heavy metals, and environmental monitoring and water purification. Research is also being done on using this technology to produce clean energy.

Nanotechnology in Canada

Currently, various universities are leading Canada's nanotechnology research and development efforts. The National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT), established in partnership with the National Research Council , University of Alberta, and the Province of Alberta is one key example, where high quality research in nanotechnology is being conducted.

Within the Federal Departments, Natural Resources Canada and various institutes of the National Research Council have research & development programs with nanotechnology as a major component. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation have granting programs to fund applied research in nanotechnology.

In addition, provincial initiatives, such as NanoQuébec, are contributing to infrastructure development and capacity building in this area.
A federal government interdepartmental network, chaired by Industry Canada, was established in 2003 to serve as a forum to discuss various issues related to nanotechnology, and to promote a coordinated federal approach.

Health Canada's Work on Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is still a new field of research and application, and its risks and benefits are still being examined and evaluated. Continued effective federal regulation will, therefore, be essential for fostering its responsible development.

The Government of Canada recognizes that a balanced, stewardship approach is needed to permit the responsible introduction of nanotechnology to Canadian society. This approach will ensure an integrated and coordinated management of economic, environmental, ethical, health and social interests, while maintaining and improving high standards for safety and for the environment.

Regulating products to ensure the health and safety of Canadians and the environment is a priority for Health Canada. Currently, the Department is using the existing legislative and regulatory frameworks to regulate applications of nanotechnology, but it is recognized that new approaches may be necessary in the future to keep pace with the advances in this area.

Within the Health Portfolio, which includes Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, a Nanotechnology Working Group has been established to gather information, identify areas where additional regulations may need to be considered, and to act as a discussion forum for issues related to nanotechnology. Health Canada is also working closely with other departments to ensure effective coordination across the federal government, and actively participates in the interdepartmental network chaired by Industry Canada. To date, it has participated in many activities to promote the responsible stewardship of nanotechnology, such as two symposiums on nanotechnology held in November 2003 and March 2004, and it collaborated with a number of federal government organizations in a workshop on the health and environmental implications of nanoproducts held in March, 2006.

Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Health Research worked together in developing a Paper that contains an analysis of the issues raised in the context of their roles and responsibilities. As a follow up to this Paper, they will hold a two day workshop in March 2007 to explore the development a nanotechnology strategy plan for the Health Portfolio.

Health Canada was also part of the Canadian delegation to the International Dialogue on Responsible Research and Development of Nanotechnology that was organized by the United States National Science Foundation in June 2004. Along with the National Science Advisor Office and the National Research Council, Health Canada discussed key issues and shared views on nanotechnology with 20 other countries from around the world. Health Canada participates in a number of international initiatives, such as the Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Technical Committee 229 of the International Organization for Standardization.