On June 14, 2017 the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched the European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON). In March 2016, the European Commission (EC) had decided to establish an “observatory” website for nanomaterials as a measure to increase transparency on nanomaterial use in Europe (FPF reported). Thus, the EC decided against establishing an EU-wide nano-registry with mandatory notification of nanomaterials for industry. In December 2016, the EC and ECHA signed an agreement assigning the task to develop and host the observatory to ECHA (FPF reported).
The EUON “offers a unique web-based information point with factual and neutral content about nanomaterials on the EU market,” which “is targeted at a wide audience including consumers, workers, regulators and scientists,” ECHA writes in its news release. In addition to providing general information on nanomaterials, the EUON informs about their uses, health and safety issues, regulation, international activities, as well as research and innovation. “Nanomaterials are regulated by the same EU legislation as any other chemical substance” (i.e. REACH and CLP regulations); however, “more safety information is still needed for many of the most commonly used nanomaterials,” ECHA notes. In the coming years, the EUON will be updated with more content and new features.
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ECHA (June 14, 2017). “EU observatory for nanomaterials launched.”
Nanotechnology Industries Association (June 14, 2017). “ECHA launches EU Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON).”
The European Chemical Industry Council (June 14, 2017). “EUON: A new observatory for nanomaterials launched by EU authorities.”
Vanessa Zainzinger (June 15, 2017). “ECHA launches EU nanomaterials observatory.” Chemical Watch
