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Current activity relating to the regulation of nanotechnologies


The development of nanotechnologies over the last two decades promises to bring great benefits to society and the global economy, through numerous commercial and technical applications. However, the novel properties and behaviours of substances at the nanoscale mean they also present new risks, which are yet to be fully investigated and understood. This poses the question of whether existing regulatory regimes are sufficient to protect workers, consumers and the environment from such risks. Calls for governments to step in and guard against the inherent risks of such new technologies are being met with a debate between government, industry and the community as to where the responsibility for such safeguarding should lie. In addition, balancing innovation and commercialisation of nanotechnologies to maximise economic sustainability in an uncertain global environment, whilst also showing sufficient precaution is particularly challenging.


This section of SAFENANO provides an overview of current activity in relation to nanotechnologies regulation, across the three key sectors: 



Each section provides an introduction to the specific challenges faced, together with an outline developments in regulatory actions by bodies active in the area. 


Recent News Articles
European Parliament calls for adequate consumer protection for goods produced using nanotechnology

European Parliament resolution calls for adequate consumer protection and product safety in the markets for consumer goods produced using nanotechnology.
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ITS-NANO to host webinar “Research Prioritisation to deliver an Intelligent Testing Strategy for Engineered Nanomaterials”

A webinar will be held on the 19th June 2013 to launch the final outcomes of the FP7 ITS-NANO project.
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Concern-driven integrated approaches to nanomaterial testing and assessment

A new publication from the NanoSafety Cluster aims at identifying key areas for further research on risk assessment methodologies for nanomaterials.
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Study identifies benefits and potential environmental and health impacts of Lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles

Life Cycle Assessment highlights ways to reduce global warming emissions and addresses nanotechnology innovations to improve battery performance
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OECD project examines if nanomaterials present special risks at industrial facilities

The OECD is studying whether industrial uses of nanomaterials raise safety issues not addressed by existing guidelines or regulatory systems.
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EU considers amendment to REACH regulation to better cover nanosubstances

The European Commission is considering a change to REACH regulation to close a loophole under which nanosubstances may not be properly managed.
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Course materials & videos now available from the 2nd QualityNano Modelling Training School

A series of training materials on modelling the toxicity of nanomaterials are now available from the Second QualityNano Modelling Training School, held in Edinburgh on the 27th March 2013.
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Regulatory frameworks for nanotechnology in foods and medical products

The OECD WPMN has released summary results of survey activity concerning regulatory frameworks for nanotechnology in foods and medical products.
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NanoSustain factsheet and case studies now available

FP7 project ‘NanoSustain’ has published a fact sheet relating to nanosafety together with four case studies for nanomaterials in specific products.
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IOM Singapore's SAFENANO unit publishes Position Statement on Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibres

Position statement prepared following the publication of NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin
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Upcoming Events
The 3rd bi-annual ‘Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Meeting’, organised under the cooperation of scientists from the Nanotechnology Centre and Institute of Geonics AS CR, will be held at the VSB – Technical University of Ostrava.  The meeting is intended ...