[Nano materials need stricter EU regulation]

Nano materials need stricter EU regulation REACH is the EU regulation adopted to protect health and environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals. Companies have the responsibility of collecting information on the uses of manufactured or imported substances above one tonne per year. They also have to make an assessment of the potential risks presented by the substance. Nanomaterials contain chemical substances which are regulated by REACH. However, nanomaterials have unique characteristics and are manufactured and used on a very small scale. Therefore, REACH is at present not well adjusted to regulate nanomaterials. Neither is the approval process for new drugs well adjusted for compounds containing nanomaterial. Improvement of the European medical technology regulation that takes nanomaterial into consideration is under way although it is delayed. There is a lack of data on the degree of exposure to nanomaterial and effects on human health and environment. Such information is needed to obtain adequate regulation.