FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Nanotechnology
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Q: How are the potential risks of nanomaterials to human health and the environment being managed?

A: European legislation obliges manufacturers and importers to ensure the safety of all products they put on the market. When new scientific evidence comes to light, the Commission and EU Agencies will begin by reviewing the current documents that support implementation, such as implementing legislation, standards and technical guidance, to assess their applicability and appropriateness for nanomaterials.

The Commission is funding research on the assessment of the potential impact of evolving nanotechnology applications. Increased emphasis is being placed on these activities under the Commission's new 7th Framework Programme. The EU is playing a leading role in the world in investing in research on safety. Other parties, including various EU Institutions, Member States, industry (including through the European Technology Platforms), research organizations and universities are also contributing to these research activities. Cooperation activities at the international level include the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials, which assesses testing guidelines to take into account specificities of nanomaterials, and the development of standards in ISO and CEN.

For further information please see:  More information on safety research