All Knowledge & Insights By Date

The European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) announced on September 24, 2026, the release of a new study that reviews the use of nanomaterials in flame retardants. On behalf of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and EUON, researchers combined “a structured systematic review of scientific literature, an extensive analysis of grey literature and input from a stakeholder survey, using a transparent methodology aligned with the European Food Safety Authority guidance and PRISMA...

On June 9, 2026, the European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) published a Nanopinion entitled “From Boron Fullerenes to Borophenes: A Simple Rule for Designing New Nanomaterials” by Nevill Gonzalez Szwacki, Ph.D., a theoretical physicist at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw. The article describes how an idea known as atomic coordination can link different types of boron nanomaterials, including boron fullerenes and borophenes. According to the article, boron...

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 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 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...

On April 8, 2025, the European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) published a Nanopinion entitled “A Qualification System to Accelerate Development and Regulatory Implementation of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)” by Andrea Haase, Ph.D., German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Shirin M. Usmani, Ph.D., BfR, Irene Cattaneo, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Maria Chiara Astuto, EFSA, and Francesco Cubadda, Ph.D., National Institute of Health (ISS). The authors...

The European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) announced on December 4, 2024, the availability of the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) Second interim evaluation of the European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON). Prepared by WSP acting as a third-party evaluator, the interim evaluation assesses EUON against six criteria: effectiveness; efficiency (including economy and proportionality); relevance; coherence; EU-added value; and utility. WSP’s recommendations include:...

The European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) announced on November 12, 2024, that it published a new study evaluating nanomaterials applications in biocidal, plant protection, and fertilizing products used in agriculture. The study, “Collection and review of information on nanomaterial-based and nano-enabled plant protection products, biocidal products and fertilising products,” addresses knowledge gaps on applications, exposure, and hazards of nanomaterials and...

On October 10, 2024, the European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) announced that, in collaboration with NovaMechanics, it is conducting a survey to gather insights on analytical methods for identifying, characterizing, and quantifying carbon-based nanomaterials in various matrices. According to EUON, the initiative “aims to assess the current situation about analytical methods for these types of nanomaterials, whether advanced or more classical nanomaterials.” Responses will...

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is evaluating the function of the European Union (EU) Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON). As part of its evaluation, ECHA is conducting a survey to collect responses from EUON website visitors and stakeholders. The survey includes questions concerning evaluation criteria such as use, effectiveness, coherence, EU-added value, and utility. The survey notes that under an ongoing legislative proposal, the European Commission (EC) foresees setting up a common...