Focussed research and consulting to ensure the responsible development of nanotechnology
SAFENANO is part of IOM which over the last 6 years has been one of the leading organisations in Europe working in the field of the health and environmental risks of nanoparticles and nanotubes. IOM is one of the leading participants in European Commission Framework (FP6 and FP7) projects concerned with nano EHS issues, and has also undertaken contract work from the European Commission focussing, for example, on nanomaterials under REACH.
Our work has included providing information and support to UK government departments (DEFRA, HSE, EA, FSA) through a series of state of the art reviews on occupational hygiene, manufacture and use, environmental regulation, food, food packaging, environmental exposure, reference materials, cell penetration, high aspect ratio nanoparticles and current world-wide research activities. This work has been used to develop UK policy in relation to nano EHS. We have also developed some of the guidance for the DEFRA voluntary reporting scheme.
In the UK, as part of a research council grant (EPSRC) have developed a risk assessment procedure, including exposure and toxicity assessment, for a novel CNT fibre production process.
The following provides links to those projects in which the SAFENANO team have played a lead or partner role:
These activities have been critical to building the knowledge-base of nanotechnology risks and the development of professional good practice.
Click the links above to read more on each.