Because of quantum size effects and large surface area, nanomaterials have unique properties compared with their larger counterparts . The nanomaterials, even when they are made of inert elements like gold, become very active at a nanometer range. Carbon nanotubes – characterized by their microscopic size and incredible tensile strength – are frequently likened to asbestos, due to their needle-like fiber shape. Given these risks, effective and rigorous regulation has been called for to determine if, and under what circumstances, carbon nanotubes are manufactured, as well as ensuring their safe handling and disposal.
European Regulations
REACH
The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH), is a new European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use . This document reflects the current state of ongoing discussions within the REACH Competent Authorities (REACH CA) and its subgroup on nanomaterials on how REACH applies to nanomaterials.
GHS
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is a United Nations system to identify hazardous chemicals and to inform users about these hazards through standard symbols and phrases on the packaging labels and through safety data sheets
IHCP
The Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (HICP) is part of the Join Research Center (JRC) and fulfils the JRC's mission in providing scientific support to policies related to health and consumer protection. In this regard, IHCP has played a major supporting role in the implementation of the new Chemicals legislation (REACH), not only in coordinating the associated stake-holder groups and the development of the necessary informatics tools and chemical databases, but also in the validation of alternative test methods to reduce the number of animal tests.
ECHA
The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) located in Helsinki, Finland, will manage the REACH processes for chemical substances to ensure consistency across the European Union.
SANCO
The Directorate General on Health and Consumer Protection (SANCO)
is responsible for the implementation of EU laws on the safety of food and other products, on consumers' rights and on the protection of people's health.
Nano-Safety Sector in Belgium
The University of Namur (FUNDP) launched the Nanotoxico Project to develop in vitro tests for nanoparticles toxicity assessment. This project involves several disciplines including physics, chemistry, biology, pharmacy and communication science. Each team will fulfill a specific mission in order to obtain an integrated view of nanomaterials physico-chemical properties and interaction with biological systems. See the video presenting the project. |
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US Links
CBEN : The Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology is located at Rice University, Houston, TX. CBEN’s mission is to discover and develop nanomaterials that enable new medical and environmental technologies.
NANO-SAFETY :This effort includes a number of organizations, with the focal point being the Nanomaterials Application Center at Texas State University-San Marcos and the Trybula Foundation.
NIOSH : The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the leading US federal agency conducting research and providing guidance on the occupational safety and health implications and applications of nanotechnology.
NANOTOX : Risk assessment and risk management for nanoparticles. Located in Austin, TX
EPA : United States Environmental Protection Agency
ICON : The International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON) is an international, multi-stakeholder organization based at Rice University (Houston) whose mission is to develop and communicate information regarding potential environmental and health risks of nanotechnology. ICON launched the GoodNanoGuide, an online repository of information about safe handling of nanomaterials in the workplace and maintains a repository of papers on nano-EHS.
MINChar Initiative: The Minimum Information for Nanomaterial Characterization (MINChar) Initiative is a community initiative to improve the effective nanomaterial characterization for toxicology studies.
Worldwide Link
IANH : The International Alliance for NanoEHS Harmonization (IANH) is a group of internationally recognized experts who agreed to develop specific tools and testing protocols, and perform a set of round robin experiments to lay the foundation for reproducible testing of nanomaterial biological interactions and toxicology. They also establish protocols that would be shared with other researchers and explore potential correlations between cell based test and effects in organisms.