Nano and Other Emerging Chemical Technologies Blog

As part of the activities of the European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has commissioned a study on “Nanomaterials used as or integrated into flame retardants.” According to EUON, the study aims to collect and review scientific and market information on nanomaterials used as or integrated into flame retardants in consumer and professional products. EUON states that the objective is to assess their performance, potential health and...

On December 12, 2025, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a report entitled Safe and sustainable by design tools, integrative systems and platforms for nanomaterials and nano-enabled products. According to OECD, the report advances the implementation of safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) for nanomaterials by compiling and reviewing tools, integrative systems, and platforms that support design, risk assessment, and sustainability considerations. The...

On December 12, 2025, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development published a report entitled The Identification of Exposure Metrics for Use in Evaluation of Inhalation Exposure to Nano-Objects and their Aggregates and Agglomerates (NOAA) in the Workplace. The report presents a comprehensive overview, informed by a literature review, on methods for assessing and measuring inhalation exposure to nano-objects and their aggregates and agglomerates (NOAA) in workplace environments....

On December 1, 2025, the European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) announced the availability of a report analyzing the applications of nano-enabled textiles and their presence on the EU and global markets. The report, Information on Nano-Enabled Textiles, addresses the growing integration of nanotechnology in the textile industry, which has introduced advanced functionalities such as antimicrobial properties, enhanced durability, water repellence and ultraviolet (UV) protection....

The United Kingdom (UK) NanoSafety Group (UKNSG) has published the third edition of its guidance entitled “Working Safely with Nanomaterials in Research & Development.” The guidance is intended to provide help and support to research laboratories in industry, research, and training organizations and academia on how to comply with their occupational health and safety legal obligations. The guidance also includes additional information to help improve health and safety systems when working...

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) announced on October 30, 2025, that the European Commission (EC) requested a scientific opinion on the safety of hydrated silica (nano), pyrogenic silica (nano), silica silylate (nano), and silica dimethyl silylate (nano). The request states that given the continued and widespread use of these silica materials in cosmetic products, and in view of the previous inconclusive assessments by SCCS and the new submission of safety data by industry, the...

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a draft guidance document on in vitro testing for intestinal fate of orally ingested nanomaterials. According to OECD, the new guidance document “would establish a conceptual framework and procedures for determining intestinal fate of orally ingested nanomaterials using an integrated in vitro approach simulating the human [gastrointestinal tract] environment.” The primary objective of the draft guidance document...

On October 21, 2025, the European Commission (EC) announced that it has called for evidence and begun a public consultation on the upcoming Advanced Materials Act, “a key initiative under the Competitiveness Compass.” According to the EC, the Act will establish a strategic framework for the development, deployment, and production of advanced materials. The EC states that advanced materials “are intentionally designed and engineered materials with innovative properties and functionalities,...

The European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) has contracted the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) and Yordas Group to undertake a study on the assessment of health and environmental hazards and risks of surface-treated nanomaterials. The aim of the study is to review and collect scientific information and data on how surface treatment can affect the properties of nanomaterials and potentially have an impact on their fate and potential risks. The study includes a market...

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a September 2025 document entitled Guidance Document on Assessing the Apparent Accumulation Potential of Nanomaterials. The document is intended to provide specific advice on how to conduct bioaccumulation tests in fish with nanomaterials following Test Guideline (TG) 305 (OECD 2012), once it has been decided that such a fish test is needed. The purpose is to offer guidance on the critical points indicated in the...