Nanotechnology (the control of matter on atomic and molecular scale) could potentially transform industry and everyday life. However, there are concerns whether the application of nanotech is safe. In an own-initiative report the European Parliament has recently decided to consider all nanomaterials as new substances and holds that existing legislation does not take into account the risks associated with nanotechnology. According to the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), in the area of food science, uncertainties in detecting and measuring levels of nanomaterials could make risk assessment of some nano products extremely difficult.
EFSA, therefore recommends a case-by-case approach to determining the risks associated with engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), adding that there is limited knowledge of current usage levels and likely exposure products in the food area. The agency recommends that additional research is needed to address the many current uncertainties and limitations. An expert group will be established to monitor emerging scientific data. The EFSA opinion comes at the request of the European Commission, which has published an Action Plan (2005) aimed at promoting the safe growth of nanotechnology and a Code of Conduct for responsible research in nanotechnologies (2008). This Code of Conduct consists of seven general principles aimed at ensuring that nanoscience research activities are:
1. Comprehensible to the public (Meaning)
2. Safe, ethical, and contribute to sustainable development. (Sustainability)
3. Conducted in accordance with the precautionary principle, anticipating potential environmental, health and safety impacts (Precaution)
4. Guided by the principles of openness to all stakeholders, transparency, and respect for the legitimate right of access to information (Inclusiveness).
5. Able to meet strict scientific standards, including standards underpinning the integrity of research and standards relating to Good Laboratory Practices (Excellence).
6. Innovative, and encourage maximum creativity, flexibility, and incorporate the ability for innovation and growth (Innovation).
7. Accountable for the social, environmental and human health impacts that their research may impose on present and future generations (Accountability).
Proponents argue that nanotechnologies could deliver cleaner, safer, more competitive production processes as well as smarter, more durable and more user-friendly products. Opponents, such as the Swedish Green MEP Carl Schlyter, argue there is considerable risk involved and call for tighter controls on nanotechnology, including the application of the 'no data, no market' principle contained in the REACH Directive (see information below). This means that products containing nanotechnology that are already on the market would need to be withdrawn until safety assessments can be made.
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is active in standardisation in the field of nanotechnologies. Activities of CEN/TC 352 include classification, terminology and nomenclature; metrology, measurement and characterization (including procedures for calibration); health, safety and environmental issues as well as nanotechnology products and processes. To achieve this, CEN will work with other standardisation bodies such as ISO, but also with the European Commission.
A variety of projects deals with the challenges and opportunities of nanotechnologies. Framing Nano (www.framingnano.eu), for instance, conducted a comprehensive review of existing legislation on nanotechnology and found variation in governance structures across the world. NGOs, including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, consider the existing regulatory situation to be inadequate and are urging a strictly precautionary approach. Industry representatives are instead seeking the development of specific guidance and standards to support implementation of existing regulations, which are generally seen as adequate. Nanotechnologies are also a topic in iNTeg-Risk (www.integrisk.eu-vri.eu), which coordinates research and development sub-projects for improving the management of emerging risks related to new materials and technologies. NanoSafe2 (www.nanosafe.org) has even developed a quiz called NanoSmile (www.nanosmile.org )on the safety aspects of nanomaterials.
Given the importance of these issues, MoniQA has also decided to add nanotechnology to its lists of emerging issues, which are monitored and explored by a Working Group on Emerging Issues. More information is available at www.moniqa.org/nano
What is REACH?
REACH is a new European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use (EC 1907/2006). It deals with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances, and entered into force on 1 June 2007. The aim of REACH is to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances.
For more information visit http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_intro.htm or download http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/pdf/reach_me_flyer_en.pdf
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