Nanosafety and industry: needs, expectations and challenges

Nanosafety was recognised as a strategically important issue for the successful development of nanotechnology as soon as nanomaterials started to be used in commercial applications. In May 2004, the European Commission (EC)... [ view full abstract ]

Nanosafety was recognised as a strategically important issue for the successful development of nanotechnology as soon as nanomaterials started to be used in commercial applications. In May 2004, the European Commission (EC) adopted the document which proposes an integrated and responsible strategy for Europe (Towards European Strategy for Nanotechnology; http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2009:0607:FIN:EN:PDF). In June 2005, the EC published an action plan for implementation of this strategy. In 2006, OECD launched a programme of work to ensure responsible development of nanotechnologies. In February 2008, the EC adopted the recommendation for a “Code of Conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research”. http://ec.europa.eu/research/science-society/document_library/pdf_06/nanocode-apr09_en.pdf. All these documents stress health, safety and environmental aspects in the development of nanotechnology, with an emphasis on effective dialogue with all stakeholders. While this area has received extensive funding in the EU, the US and other countries, the resulting range of research findings is broad, but it remains unclear how well these current research efforts have answered detailed industrial needs and supported industrial innovation. In living systems, nanomaterials become immediately coated with biological molecules and form a corona. The corona may then influence the outcome of the biological response. In this context, it is important to realise that only certain aspects can make nanomaterials risky. It is now clear that each nanomaterial may pose specific challenges, but in most instances, they can be addressed with existing test methods and assessment approaches. In some cases, it might be necessary to develop new methods of sample preparation and dosimetry for safety testing. Adaptations may be needed also for certain Test Guidelines. But it will not be necessary to develop completely new approaches for nanomaterials.  A fundamental cornerstone in the context of risk assessment of nanomaterials, is lack of guidance for industry to consistently determine if a certain material falls within or outside “nano” and a lack of  synergies via different international activities. In the future, it will be necessary to help industry to ensure transparency about nanomaterials on the market and thus increase public trust. Trust has been shown as a significant factor when it comes to nanotechnologies.