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.

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.