| Sep 13, 2012 |
Nanotechnology safety at the OECD: The first five years
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(Nanowerk News) This communication (pdf) outlines the achievements made so far by OECD in addressing the human health and environmental safety implications of manufactured nanomaterials.
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As nanomaterials started to be used in commercial applications, OECD launched a programme of work in 2006 to ensure that the approaches for hazard, exposure and risk assessment for manufactured nanomaterials are of a high quality, science-based and internationally harmonised.
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Based on this, the OECD and its member countries have come to the conclusion that the approaches for the testing and assessment of traditional chemicals are in general appropriate for assessing the safety of nanomaterials, but may have to be adapted to the specificities of nanomaterials. As with other chemicals, it is clear that each nanomaterial may pose specific challenges, but in most instances, they can be addressed with existing test methods and assessment approaches. In some cases, it might be necessary to adapt methods of sample preparation and dosimetry for safety testing. Similarly, adaptations may be needed for certain Test Guidelines but it will not be necessary to develop completely new approaches for nanomaterials. OECD continues to review all existing methodologies to identify and implement the necessary changes needed for their application to nanomaterials.
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This booklet (pdf) describes the work that OECD is doing to address the human health and environmental safety implications associated with the use of manufactured nanomaterials. It presents the OECD Nanosafety programmes during the first five years from 2006-2010.
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