Several OECD guidelines for testing chemicals have been updated to include nanospecific considerations, which are generally effective. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in standardising the testing of nanomaterials in water, as particles tend to clump together, leading to unstable dispersions and irreproducible results.

Nanoforms of fertilisers or biostimulants sprayed directly onto plant leaves may contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. However, it needs to be clarified whether the current legislation and methodologies sufficiently addresses the nanospecific properties of these products when assessing the benefits and risks for crops, the environment, and human health.

Two recent reports reviewed existing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). One focussed on the purpose of regulatory risk assessment and the other on in silico methods for the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) of nanomaterials.

The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) evaluated information on genotoxicity of titanium dioxide used in cosmetic products. This was triggered by previous similar concerns for food additive E 171 (titanium dioxide, TiO2).

The past few decades of managing the uncertain risks for human and environment associated with nanomaterials have provided crucial insights for ensuring the safe and sustainable development of advanced materials.

The EU-funded HARMLESS project used the Early Awareness and Action System for Advanced Materials (Early4AdMa) to identify potential safety and sustainability issues of various inorganic aerogel mats. The approach required additional hazard data and exposure scenarios to be fully useful for ranking the different types of 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.