JRC-IHCP Argues for Definition of Engineered Nanomaterials

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Lynn L. Bergeson

The August 25, 2011, issue of Nature includes a letter from Hermann Stamm, European Commission (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP). In response to Andrew Maynard’s article entitled “Don’t define nanomaterials,” in the July 7, 2011, issue of Nature, Stamm argues that a definition of engineered nanomaterials for regulatory purposes is “urgently needed.” Maynard proposes that a “‘one size fits all’ definition of nanomaterials will fail to capture what is important for addressing risk,” and suggests that regulators use “a list of nine or ten attributes (including size and surface area) for which certain values trigger action.” Stamm, however, maintains that size is “the most appropriate parameter on which to base a broad definition.” Maynard concludes that adaptive regulations are necessary to respond to scientific evidence, while Stamm acknowledges that a definition “would need revision in line with fresh scientific evidence.”

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JRC Announces Europe's First Repository Of Nanomaterials

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Lynn L. Bergeson

On February 14, 2011, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) announced the creation of the first European repository of nanomaterials. According to JRC, the repository contains most types of nanomaterials that are currently assumed to be used in significant volumes in consumer products. The materials will be used as a reference point by laboratories that carry out safety assessments on nanomaterials, to make sure that their results are comparable to those of other laboratories. JRC states that this responds to a need expressed by experts in international standardization organizations. The new repository includes, among other materials, carbon nanotubes, silver nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, bentonite, gold, and silicon dioxide.

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EC JRC Releases Report Concerning Definition of Nanomaterial for Regulatory Purposes

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Lynn L. Bergeson

On July 2, 2010, the European Commission’s (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC) announced the availability of a reference report entitled Considerations on a Definition of Nanomaterial for Regulatory Purposes. JRC prepared the report in response to a request from the European Parliament (EP). JRC states that the aim of the report is to review and discuss issues and challenges related to a definition of “nanomaterial,” and to provide practical guidance for a definition for regulatory purposes. JRC suggests that a definition for regulatory purposes should:

  • Only concern particulate nanomaterials;
  • Be broadly applicable in European Union (EU) legislation, and in line with other approaches worldwide; and
  • Use size as the only defining property.

 

JRC states that this calls both for a clarification of the meaning of the word “material” and a clear definition of the nanoscale limits. Enforceability of the definition will require the adoption of instructions on how such limits can be applied for nanoscale materials with size distributions. Size-derived properties, nanoscale materials incorporated in a matrix, and the origin of the material are also points that should be considered.  JRC states: “It is clear that any definition will have implications within the context in which it is used and may need adaptation for specific regulations or directives. It should therefore be emphasised that adoption of a definition will also involve policy choices, and accordingly will entail political decisions.”
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