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Towards harmonised test methods for nanomaterials

Project description

Developing an adequate framework for testing nanomaterials

The OECD has published and disseminated test guidelines (TGs) and guidance documents with the aim of ensuring public health and environmental safety. EU regulations, such as REACH, base their safety assessment of chemicals on the these TGs. Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) can behave differently, physically and chemically, than bulk materials and hence sometimes present difficulties in analysis and data evaluation. While adopted TGs are not always suitable for nanoforms, they are required to ensure that standards for estimating and endorsing ENMs are met. The EU-funded NanoHarmony project will develop scientifically reliable test methods and good practice documents based on the interpretation of existing scientific knowledge and data. It will also coordinate the collection and use of data, organise a sustainable network and set up a scheme for coherent cooperation between stakeholders.

Objective

Ensuring the health and safety of both population and the wider environment has been entrusted to specialist EU and international organisations such as the OECD, who are tasked with setting up Test Guidelines (TGs) and Guidance Documents (GDs) by which a substance can be assessed. Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) pose a particular problem due to difficulties in analysis and data interpretation. Adopted TGs are not always suitable for nanoforms, but these are needed to ensure that standards are met for assessing and approving ENMs e.g. in European regulation such as REACH.
NanoHarmony supports the development of a set of scientifically reliable test methods and good practice documents, based on the translation of existing scientific knowledge and data into a form that has regulatory relevance. NanoHarmony focusses on OECD TGs and GDs. 8 nanomaterial test endpoints have been prioritised with the agreement of the OECD WPMN and WNT, ECHA and the Malta Initiative, forming the core of the NanoHarmony CSA project.
NanoHarmony will coordinate the collection and use of available data and information to support the finalisation of the test method development and to organise a sustainable network for the needed exchange, also for future regulatory development needs. NanoHarmony will therefore analyse the processes in test method developments to set up a framework structure for seamless and smooth cooperation between all stakeholders for timely developments of test methods ready for regulation. For both, finalisation of test methods and framework development, interviews, open workshops and stakeholder meetings are seen as a core tool in NanoHarmony to enable active participation and contributions.
By identifying gaps and obstacles, and developing an adequate framework for possible implementation, e.g. in a Nano Risk Governance Council (as called for in NMBP 13), future needs for regulatory test methods will be identified and methods developed faster.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

CSA - Coordination and support action

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-NMBP-TO-IND-2018-2020

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Coordinator

BUNDESANSTALT FUER ARBEITSSCHUTZ UND ARBEITSMEDIZIN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 520 000,00
Address
FRIEDRICH HENKEL WEG 1-25
44149 Dortmund
Germany

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Region
Nordrhein-Westfalen Arnsberg Dortmund, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Public bodies (excluding Research Organisations and Secondary or Higher Education Establishments)
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 520 000,00

Participants (13)

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