Editors' Summary

Proponents of nanoscale zero-valent iron maintain that this cutting-edge technology shows promise for removing 90% of groundwater toxins. Its detractors point to short-sighted profit interests that do not take into account the total potential economic, social, health, and environmental costs of cleaning up the cleanups; hence, government oversight is necessary. EPA has the unenviable task of promulgating TSCA rules that both define and anticipate the unique properties and challenges of these nanoscale particles. EPA's information-gathering and enforcement authority must balance protecting the public from the potential toxic effects of an otherwise beneficial nanotechnology.