EU nanoscience register 'makes little sense'

ERJ staff report (PR)

London – A register for nanomaterials proposed by the European Union would be pointless and confusing for consumers, UK chemicals and pharmaceuticals manufacturers believe.

In its response to the EU ‘register consultation on nanomaterials’, the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) questioned the need for such a register. These materials, it noted, are similar to other chemical/substance forms which are already heavily regulated.

A register would burden on EU-based producers, importers and end-users and increase costs for European consumers, added the CIA: arguing that the EU’s goals can be achieved via current legislation and better public information.

“Nanomaterials should be regarded as any other substance,” said Dr. Roger Pullin, head of health at the London-based association. “As required by REACH for instance, data must be gathered by industry in order to perform risk assessments and ensure safe use of the products.

“We propose that the existing EC Joint Research Centre web platform on nanomaterials be expanded to include information in the public domain for notifications of nanomaterials to all current regulatory schemes – this would help to increase transparency and bring reassurance to all stakeholders.”