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ECHA calls for research on nanomaterials
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) invites the scientific community to expand the knowledge on nanomaterials. ECHA's report "Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge” (KARC) underscores gaps in chemical data regarding nano-sized materials.
The updated report gives information on the areas where scientific research is needed to protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals. It aims to support and inspire the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) research community, while also being highly relevant to the broader research community.
Research gaps
According to ECHA’s report, there is a need to improve test methods to address the human and environment hazard and risk assessment of nanomaterials. The Agency has pinpointed several critical research needs, including:
- Standard test methods for the hazard and risk assessment of nanomaterials
- A framework for regulatory accepted NAMs to help the assessment of single nanoforms or sets of nanoforms
- Moving away from animal testing
About PARC
The European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) is a seven-year EU-wide research and innovation programme under Horizon Europe which aims to advance research, share knowledge, and improve skills in chemical risk assessment. It supports the European Union's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the European Green Deal's “Zero pollution” ambition.
ECHA’s report can be seen as an evolving research and development agenda aiming to support PARC and the wider research community. The list of research needs is not exhaustive. The next update to the report is expected in spring 2025.
For more information on how to participate PARC, visit the PARC website.