Literature reviews on the safety of nanomaterials

VCI's conclusions and recommendations on health assessment, exposure and environmental effects of nanomaterials

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VCI's conclusions and recommendations on health assessment, exposure and environmental effects of nanomaterials

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05 October 2016 | Position

Long version of this document

The results of the safety research on nanomaterials are difficult to summarize and assess. Therefore, the German Chemical Industry Association VCI had suggested to carry out comprehensive literature reviews on the topic. VCI wrapped up its summary of the results so far in an updated paper. One conclusion: There is no reason to fear that there are not enough scientific findings about the safety of nanomaterials. Another point: The small size of nanomaterials per se is not at all connected with an increased risk for health and environment.

Literature reviews show: Questions on the safety of nanomaterials can be answered sufficiently. -The picture shows particles of metal oxides in a nano to micro scale. They will be used as a reliable power store in batteries and accumulators. – Photo: © BASF SE
Literature reviews show: Questions on the safety of nanomaterials can be answered sufficiently. -The picture shows particles of metal oxides in a nano to micro scale. They will be used as a reliable power store in batteries and accumulators. – Photo: © BASF SE

Current scientific reviews assess the available literature of recent years on safety research into nanomaterials. These reviews address central scientific publications on the safety of (engineered) nanomaterials (NM / ENM) and environmental and health effects including specificities of action, toxicological methods, genotoxicity (in vivo/in vitro) and exposure and environmental effects and eco-toxicology of NM and ENM (mechanisms of the fate of particles in the environment, taking into account potential release paths).

In an updated paper, the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) derives the conclusions and recommendations from these reviews. The content:

  • Results from literature reviews
  • Conclusions and consequences for the safety and the regulatory framework for nanomaterials
  • General recommendations on safety research
  • Recommendations for projects for "safety research into nanomaterials" from industry's viewpoint

Please find the full paper, comprising 12 pages, in the download section at the top of this page.

Access to three of the literature reviews covered:

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For questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us.

 Martin Reuter

Dr. Martin Reuter

Energie- und Materialforschung, Forschungs- und Technologiepolitik