Why did the Commission seek a scientific opinion on risk assessment methods for nanotechnology products?
The protection and safety of human health and the environment relies on integrated and adequate risk assessment of products throughout their life-cycle. Therefore it is essential to know whether existing risk assessment methodologies are appropriate for testing and monitoring nanoparticles, and whether they are available for routine use. The sound risk assessment methods are vital for the practical implementation of many aspects of Community legislation which may eventually be affected by nanotechnologies e.g. on chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, food and feed products, workers’ health and safety, environmental protection and general product safety. The Commission therefore asked the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly-Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) for an opinion on the appropriateness of the current risk assessment methods for the products of nanotechnologies. SCENIHR is one of the three independent scientific committees established by the Commission t
