Commission requests opinions on nano(eco)toxicology
A consultation on nanotoxicology and nanoecotoxicology will remain open until 28 February. In its nanotechnology action plan, the Commission undertook to ensure that appropriate research is undertaken to provide quantitative data on toxicology and ecotoxicology (including human and environmental dose response and exposure data), and to make sure that risk assessments are carried out. The information collected during the consultation will be used to identify priorities and potential actions. Contributions should address the following areas: - Research and development (R&D) in nano(eco)toxicology, i.e. identification and prioritisation of research on safety and risk assessment. Specific studies supporting the integration of health, environmental, risk and other related aspects into R&D activities. Generation of data on toxicology and ecotoxicology (including R&D dedicated to measurement equipment and instruments), and evaluation of potential human and environmental exposure. - Need for databases on toxicity (which information is needed and how should it be organised and managed), including on cooperation at international level. The aim is mutual benefit from common approaches to risk assessment, as well as from the establishment of dedicated databases to share toxicological, ecotoxicological and epidemiological data. - 'Poles of excellence' in nano(eco)toxicology, i.e. a map of existing infrastructures and inputs for maximising the added value and needs of industry, and in particular of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as of transnational networking and integration of resources across universities, R&D organisations and industry as a means of assembling critical mass. - Other initiatives, e.g. in metrology and standardisation.