Jul 14 2009
NanoImpactNet, a multidisciplinary European network on the health and environmental impact of nanomaterials, has this week published two important end of first year reports: A Major Information Package and a Stakeholder Report.
The Major Information Package (also available as a condensed version) details NanoImpactNet’s successful completion of the first year of its four-year, EUR 2 million project on nanotechnologies. Launched in April 2008, the objective of this multidisciplinary network is to create a scientific basis to support the definition of regulatory measures and the implementation of legislation across the EU. However, NanoImpactNet is first and foremost a network and a platform for information and idea exchange. Within its first year, the initial 24 partner institutes have been joined by over 260 members. By coordinating research between scientists from over 40 countries, NanoImpactNet will help harmonise methodologies and communicate results, leading to increased consensus on best practice and priority research areas. In addition to producing a number of key reports, NanoImpactNet has successfully held three groups of events which have provided vital forums for discussion on nanomaterials in relation to human health and environmental issues, life-cycle assessment, and the challenges and limitations of exploring and characterising these new materials. Included within these events were two stakeholder workshops which have successfully initiated a researcher-stakeholder dialogue between European research institutes and stakeholders in industry, regulation, insurers, academia and NGOs.
The published Stakeholder Report provides further details of identified stakeholders that are active and/or have an interest in the environmental, health and safety (EHS) aspects of nanomaterials. Discussion surrounding stakeholder needs and interests, in relation to researchers on the EHS implications of nanotechnology, has identified the need for further work in the following fields:
- the potential toxic and safety hazards of nanomaterials throughout their lifecycles;
- the fate and persistence of nanoparticles in humans, animals and the environment and thus the associated risks of nanoparticle exposure;
- the preparation of nomenclature, standards, methodologies, protocols and benchmarks and thus the development of best practice guidelines;
- databases of materials, research topics and themes, but also of expertise.
The report indicates that all stakeholder groups are in agreement that there is a need for more scientific knowledge on the EHS impacts of nanomaterials, yet disagreement remains surrounding regulation and data sharing.
For further details about NanoImpactNet’s activities, including details of the upcoming workshops and training school, please visit the NanoImpactNet website.