The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative has updated its Environmental Health and Safety strategy to address ongoing challenges and emerging nanotechnology applications. The strategy emphasises responsible innovation and highlights the need for collaborative actions to address concerns related to the impact of engineered nanomaterials on human health and the environment.

Scientists from the public, private and philanthropic sectors involved in the Nano4EARTH initiative have identified key research directions to maximise the impact of nanotechnology in addressing climate change. They focus on enhancing energy storage, reducing industrial carbon emissions and improving efficiency in industrial processes.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a groundbreaking delivery system for mRNA vaccines, such as those used for COVID-19. Now, they are pivotal in developing a range of new vaccines and gene therapies. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Pharmacopoeia are actively updating guidelines and quality requirements to ensure the safe and effective use of LNP-based medicine.

A recent EU ON opinion highlights the potential of advanced materials to support sustainability goals while acknowledging their human health and environmental risks. The European Commission’s 2024 communication emphasises the need for Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) principles to ensure safety and sustainability.

The degradation of two-dimensional (2D) materials throughout their life cycle can result in the formation of degradation products with different properties and effects on human health and the environment than the original materials.

The European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) has taken a significant step towards implementing a Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach. They published a report that outlines the process for industry players to adopt such an SSbD approach in their innovation process.

The European Parliament has rejected the revised Novel Foods definition of ‘engineered nanomaterial’. Concerns about the threshold for defining a material as an engineered nanomaterial being too high prevented its adoption.

Human biomonitoring can help improve (occupational) risk assessment, provided that a clear relationship exists between a biomarker and a biologically relevant (adverse) effect. Implementing biomonitoring in the workplace will also need to consider privacy aspects.

Interest in development of nanopesticides is growing due to their potential for greater activity or more gradual release of active substances than conventional pesticides. They are often seen as a promising sustainable alternative, requiring smaller amounts of active substances per hectare.

The European Commission aims for industrial leadership in advanced materials but puts limited focus on ensuring their safety and sustainability. The NanoSafety Cluster (NSC) has published a roadmap identifying critical actions related to the safety and sustainability of nanomaterials and other innovative advanced materials.