In July 2020, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a report summarizing the discussions and conclusions reached by a group of nearly 200 international scientists at the 2019 Global Summit on Regulatory Science focusing on nanotechnlology and nanoplastics. Held on September 24-26, 2019 in Ispra, Italy, the event provided “a platform for interaction between those researching, producing and regulating nanomaterials, to exchange views and experiences on policies and practices in regulation, standards, definitions and methodologies for nanomaterials and nanoplastics.”
Regulatory research needs identified by the group focused on nanomedicines, with a more holistic understanding of the benefits and potential risks, especially for complex nanomedicines. Discussions on safety assessment centered around the needs for additional and potentially nano-specific harmonized methods, standards, and reference materials to support the complexity of nano-safety assessment given the wide range of nanomaterial sizes and types. While some information exists on microplastics, research data on nanoplastics was specifically noted to be “virtually non-existent” in addition to many unfinished discussions on terminology, definitions, sampling, as well as characterization and assessment of hazard and exposure. Improved communication was identified as essential between researchers developing data and methods, those completing field and product testing, and regulators.
Reference
JRC (July 2020). “Global Summit on Regulatory Science 2019 Nanotechnology and Nanoplastics.”
