On January 18, 2016 the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) announced that it has launched – together with international experts – the research project NanoToxClass to classifiy nanomaterials according to their potential hazards to human health. NanoToxClass aims to generate new data on the mode of action of nanomaterials by using modern technology based on systems biology. The project will also include transcriptome, proteome and metabolome analysis of data derived from in vitro and in vivo experiments. This shall allow for consideration of the nanomaterials’ mode of action when developing hazard categories. Further, new testing strategies shall be developed and existing in vitro tests refined. The project will mainly focus on industrially used nanomaterials.
“The results of the project are highly relevant for regulatory practice, since classification will make the assessment of their health effects much easier”, said Andreas Hensel, president of BfR. The project is funded for three years by the EU program European Research Area Network – Safe Implementation of Innovative Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ERA-NET SIINN), as well as by contributions from Germany, Belgium, Israel, Portugal, and Romania.
Read more
BfR (January 18, 2016). “Assessment of the health effects of industrially used nanomaterials to be made more efficient.”
Chemical Watch (January 21, 2016). “BfR announces nanomaterial categorisation project.”
