title: Considerations on the EU definition of a nanomaterial: science to support policy making.
abstract: In recent years, an increasing number of applications and products containing or using nanomaterials have become available. This has raised concerns that some of these materials may introduce new risks for humans or the environment. A clear definition to discriminate nanomaterials from other materials is prerequisite to include provisions for nanomaterials in legislation. In October 2011 the European Commission published the 'Recommendation on the definition of a nanomaterial', primarily intended to provide unambiguous criteria to identify materials for which special regulatory provisions might apply, but also to promote consistency on the interpretation of the term 'nanomaterial'. In this paper, the current status of various regulatory frameworks of the European Union with regard to nanomaterials is described, and major issues relevant for regulation of nanomaterials are discussed. This will contribute to better understanding the implications of the choices policy makers have to make in further regulation of nanomaterials. Potential issues that need to be addressed and areas of research in which science can contribute are indicated. These issues include awareness on situations in which nano-related risks may occur for materials that fall outside the definition, guidance and further development of measurement techniques, and dealing with changes during the life cycle.
authors.affiliation: RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands. eric.bleeker@rivm.nl
authors.forename: Eric A J
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Bleeker
authors.forename: Wim H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: de Jong
authors.forename: Robert E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Geertsma
authors.forename: Monique
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Groenewold
authors.forename: Evelyn H W
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Heugens
authors.forename: Marjorie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koers-Jacquemijns
authors.forename: Dik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: van de Meent
authors.forename: Jan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Popma
authors.forename: Anton G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Rietveld
authors.forename: Susan W P
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Wijnhoven
authors.forename: Flemming R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Cassee
authors.forename: Agnes G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Oomen
mesh_terms: D005062:European Union; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000009:adverse effects; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011050:Policy Making; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence