Are the risks of nanotechnologies appropriatly assessed by current methods?
Brussels, 23 August 2007 Engineered particles of nanometre size can have unique properties and very different effects on health and the environment compared to the same material at larger sizes. New or modified methods are needed to better determine the properties of nanoparticles, measure exposure to them, assess their potential hazard, and detect their movement in the body and in the environment. This is one of the conclusions of an opinion issued by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) of the European Commission. The modified Opinion (after public consultation) on the appropriateness of existing methodologies to assess the potential risks associated with engineered and adventitious products of nanotechnologies. At the request of the European Commission DG Health and Consumer Protection, GreenFacts has faithfully summarised this opinion on nanotechnologies. A short summary is now available at http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/nanotech
