ECHA has launched a new website that gives citizens, workers and professionals access to information on nanomaterials.
It is the first phase of the European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON), which offers a web-based information point with neutral content about nanomaterials on the EU market.
The website includes information explaining what nanomaterials are and where they are used, health and safety issues, research, regulatory and international activities.
Geert Dancet, Executive Director of ECHA, said: “With the EUON, we aim to create a reliable source of information on nanomaterials.
“They are used in many everyday products and it is, therefore, important that workers and consumers in the EU have access to objective and easily understandable information on nanomaterials.”
Nanomaterials are regulated by the same EU legislation as any other chemical substance. Depending on how they are used, nanoform substances are managed under many regulatory regimes by different EU authorities.
The potential hazards and risks resulting from the use of nanomaterials have to be assessed case-by-case as for any other chemical.
However, more safety information is still needed for many of the most commonly used nanomaterials. As all substances under REACH, the burden of proof is on the industry putting nanomaterials on the market as a substance, part of a mixture or an article.
The observatory will be further developed in the coming years with new content to meet the audiences’ needs.
You can find out more about the EUON at https://euon.echa.europa.eu/
