The European Commission calls for an “integrated and responsible” approach to nanotechnology development that benefits society. This goes for nanoparticles as well which, according to the recently published proceedings of the workshop ‘Research needs on nanoparticles’, exist in nature or can be produced by human activities – intentionally or unintentionally.

“Intentional nanoparticles are manufactured under (normally strict) control while unintentional ones can come from high-temperature combustion, explosions, mechanical abrasion or other industrial processes,” the report continues. They can be liquid or solid and both soluble or insoluble.

The reality is, we are surrounded by nanoparticles, in our rooms, in wood, on the streets and even in milk. But the possible impact on living systems, the report reveals, relates to the nanoparticle size, distribution, physical characteristics and chemical composition. Right now, nanoparticles originating from deliberate industrial production are scant compared with what is out there as a result of, for instance, car exhaust and regular combustion processes. But delegates at the workshop agreed that caution must be taken to minimise the risk of extreme human exposure – inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, injection, etc. – as manufactured nanoparticles become more common.

European research on nanosafety
A European Commission document, called ‘Towards a European strategy for nanotechnology’ (12 May 2004), addresses not only the R&D and innovation aspects of nanotechnology, but also possible environmental, health, safety and societal concerns.

Renzo Tomellini, who heads the Commission’s ‘Nanosciences and nanotechnology’ unit, asks several poignant questions in the foreword to the report. Are we carrying out the ‘right research’ and are the results obtained meaningful and comparable? Is the methodology correct and can we avoid redundant research and be sure to benefit from synergies? These and other probing issues, such as the need for (eco)toxicology research on nanoparticles, require open debate, as shown by the workshop which took place in Brussels on 25-26 January this year.

The first two panel sessions at the workshop covered such topics as how to measure exposure to nanoparticles from natural sources and human activities, the impact of nanotechnology on the environment, the use of in-vitro toxicology studies and the latest animal studies on the effects of ingesting nanoparticles, as well as nanosafety challenges and EU legislation in the field.

A third panel session introduced some publicly funded examples of research in the area, such as the Nanoderm, Nanosafe and Nanosafe2, Nanocare, Nanopathology, Nanotox and Impart. These case studies were followed by roundtable meetings made up of experts and stakeholders which led to informed debate and valuable conclusions which can also be found in the workshop proceedings.

The recommendations cover a range of challenges, including how to detect and regulate nanoparticles, as well as detailed research needs and the importance of international co-operation in this field.