Nanomaterials

Documents

1. 

   Industry messages on nanotechnologies and nanomaterials

   28 January 2013

   Nanotechnologies involve manufacturing and using materials at the smallest scale. These views are those of 15 European industry associations with an interest in nanotechnologies and nanomaterials.

   

2. 

   Testing and assessment strategies for nanomaterials

   03 October 2012

   Following an initial mapping of the potential risks of nanotechnologies in March 2004, several scientific bodies have been working on the risk assessment of nanomaterials. In their conclusions, there is general recognition that testing strategies and safety assessments currently in place can be used as well for nanomaterials as for any other chemicals. Refinements need to be added, however, to some specific elements such as sampling preparation and dosimetry, and measurement techniques. Research activities focusing on critical aspects of physico-chemical properties and bioavailability are needed to fine-tune the results of risk assessments of nanomaterials. In the meantime, worst case scenarios can be applied, as usual practice when facing uncertainty of results.

   

3. 

   Cefic position of nanomaterials safety and legislation

   03 October 2012

   In October 2011, the European Commission adopted the following, general definition of nanomaterials. “A natural, incidental or manufactured material containing particles, in an unbound state or as an aggregate or as an agglomerate and where, for 50 % or more of the particles in the number size distribution, one or more external dimensions is in the size range 1 nm - 100 nm”. These nanomaterials are not intrinsically hazardous. The purpose of the definition is to identify materials for which there may be a need to take into account specific considerations in their risk assessment. The definition will be reviewed in 2014.

   

4. 

   Cefic Q&A on nanomaterials and nanotechnologies

   03 October 2012

   1. What are nanomaterials? 2. How do nanomaterials differ from other chemicals? 3. What is nanotechnology? 4. Where are nanomaterials used today? 5. Why do we need innovation in nanomaterials and nanotechnologies? 6. Are nanomaterials safe for human health and the environment? 7. Is the current EU legislation sufficient to regulate nanomaterials? 8. Should there be a label or an inventory for products containing nanomaterials? 9. What voluntary measures are in place to ensure nanomaterials are safe?

   

5. 

   Responsible Production and Use of Nanomaterials: Implementing Responsible Care®

   17 January 2012

   With the help of concrete examples, this document provides guidance on how companies can apply the Responsible Care principles to producing and using nanomaterials.

   

6. 

   Enabling Responsible Innovations of Nanotechnologies

   24 June 2008

   Workshop report