ABSTRACT
Realizing the value of nanotechnology, the Unites States (US) government, under the Clinton administration, raised nanoscale science and technology to the level of a federal initiative, calling it the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). The recent presidential budget for 2011 shows a $1 8 billion investment, bringing the total cumulative investments in the past 10 years to nearly $14 billion. Currently, the US, Japan, Germany, and Russia are the four leading countries in nanotechnology research. Japan has led the nanotechnology standardization and risk effort through the Japan National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). The AIST is an open forum that works with universities, government, national laboratories, media, industries, and businesses to address different aspects of nanotechnology on society. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for nanotechnology provide guidance for nanotechnology and nanomaterials, as well as nanotechnology terminology, property testing, and issues of health and safety.
