EC centre develops nanotechnology standards
Wants specific physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles to be assessed
European Union (EU) researchers have taken a key step towards regulating nanoparticles, which are taking an increasingly important role in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has recommended a clear definition that nanoparticles should be considered between 1 and 100 nanometres (nm).
Other specific physico-chemical properties and attributes (such as agglomeration, biopersistance, or whether particles are intentionally manufactured) should also be assessed in any special nanotechnology regulations, said the JRC.
The European Commission is assessing EU industrial and environmental health rules to see where special protection is required to deal with the unusual properties of nanoparticles and products made with them.
The JRC’s advice comes in a report ‘Considerations on a definition of nanomaterial for regulatory purposes’, which stressed the need for “a definition…reducing ambiguity and confusion for regulators, industry and the general public”.
It recommends the term ‘particulate nanomaterial’ for legislation to ‘avoid inconsistencies with other definitions and that size should be…the only defining property’.