THE NSW Government will push for national mandatory labelling of nano-sized particles used in workplaces and improved testing facilities to assess the safety of new nanomaterials.

The moves are in response to a parliamentary inquiry into nanotechnology. The emerging science could pose risks to human health, with some tiny particles possibly having similar effects to asbestos.

The Minister for Science and Medical Research, Jodi McKay, said nanotechnology could benefit NSW in many areas including medicine, energy efficiency, environmental monitoring, textiles, and the creation of jobs, but workers and consumers had to be protected.

"We need to make sure that regulation keeps pace with technology," Ms McKay said.

Some environmental and consumer groups were disappointed, however, that the Government did not back immediate labelling of nanoparticles in food, sunscreens and cosmetics.

A Friends of the Earth spokeswoman, Georgia Miller, also criticised the Government for rejecting the inquiry recommendation that nanoparticles be treated by regulators as new chemicals, so their safety would have to be assessed before they could be used in any products.

"The NSW Government is refusing to close a major regulatory gap," Ms Miller said.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/nsw-pushes-for-nano-risk-labels-20090504-asmk.html