Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution

The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution ¹ today announced that it is to investigate the environmental effects of novel materials and applications as the topic for its next major study.

The Chairman of the Royal Commission, Sir John Lawton, said today:

" Novel materials, along with new forms and applications of existing chemicals are continually being developed to help make technological advances and improve performance, driven by the needs of industry and the demands of society. Although much attention has been paid to the effects of the environment on novel materials and their behaviour in different situations, there is relatively little work on the environmental effects of novel materials. However, governments are starting to fund research programmes and develop policy in this area and our study will contribute to that process.

The Commission will look at all aspects of the environmental effects of novel materials and applications, including both benefits and potentially harmful impacts."

The environmental effects of novel materials and applications was selected as a topic for study after consultation on the Commission's future work programme². The study announced today will draw on approaches used in previous reports by the Commission, including the 13th report: The release of genetically engineered organisms to the environment , and 24th report: Chemicals in products .

The main phase of the study will take place in 2007, reporting in early 2008, but will be preceded by a scoping phase to commence immediately. The study is likely to cover a number of themes, including for example, the development process of novel materials, toxicity and eco-toxicity testing and data, positive and negative environmental impacts, and whether novel materials and applications are adequately regulated under existing regulations. It is anticipated that this scoping phase of the study will determine to the extent to which these and other issues are within the remit of the study.

The Commission will now seek preliminary views on the key issues on which the study should concentrate. A seminar will also be held towards the end of 2006 to identify concerns and issues the study might explore. The Commission is writing to a wide range of organisations seeking their views. Once the scoping phase of the study is completed, the Commission will invite written evidence on the issues that it has identified through the seminar and preliminary information gathering.

NOTES TO EDITORS

¹The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution is an independent standing body. Its terms of reference are to advise on matters, both national and international, concerning the pollution of the environment; the adequacy of research in this field; and the future possibilities of danger to the environment. The Chairman is Sir John Lawton CBE FRS. Members of the Commission are appointed by Her Majesty The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister and serve part time.

² The Commission also consulted on a number of subjects for a Special Study. However, the Commission has decided not to proceed with a new Special Study at present.

CONTACTS

The contact for all enquiries about the study of environmental effects of novel materials and applications is: