ECOS | Environmental Coalition on Standards

15 February 2023

Read our new report! Making nano- and advanced materials safe for all

By Emily Best

Nanomaterials are used every day for countless applications, yet their impacts on our health and the environment are not easy to understand. Despite this, their use remains underregulated in the EU. What is the problem with nanomaterials in the EU? Read more in our new briefing!

The main issue is that there are still many unknowns in the nanomaterial domain. To date, research on the environment, health and safety risks has focused only on a few types of nanomaterials. Meanwhile, the majority of commercialised nanomaterials remain under the radar of regulators.

Our vision for the testing of nano- and advanced materials:

  • EU member states and industry need to adopt a strong precautionary approach to nanomaterials and advanced materials, especially when uncertainties regarding their properties remain;
  • National administrations and international organisations must set up the right governance framework. Among other things, this framework must ensure the industry shares information at the earliest stages in the design of new nanomaterials and advanced materials;
  • Where OECD Test Guidelines exist but are not yet adapted to nanomaterials and advanced materials, this should be done, while fully addressing all health and environmental concerns. They should enable robust testing and result interpretation;
  • The EU must update its regulations regularly to make full use of the OECD Test Guidelines. The use of OECD Test Guidelines must support the development of a more robust EU policy framework for nanomaterials, leading to dedicated regulatory measures.
Read our new briefing to learn about the state of play, and what still needs to happen to make nanomaterials safe for all!

ECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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