The Swiss National Science Foundation issued a May 12, 2016, press release announcing that researchers from the National Research Program “Opportunities and Risks of Nanomaterials” have developed a new model to track the flow of the “most important nanomaterials in the environment.” To assess how man-made nanoparticles make their way into the air, earth, or water, researchers developed a computer model to determine the environmental accumulation of nanosilver, nanozinc, nano-titanium dioxide, and carbon nanotubes. The press release notes that knowing the degree of accumulation in the environment is only the first step in the risk assessment of nanomaterials. This data must be compared with ecotoxicological test results and the statutory thresholds. According to the press release, in the case of nanozinc, “its concentration in the environment is approaching the critical level.” The press release states that it “has to be given priority in future ecotoxicological studies — even though nanozinc is produced in smaller quantities than nano-titanium dioxide.” Furthermore, according to the press release, ecotoxicological tests have until now been carried out primarily with freshwater organisms. The researchers conclude that complementary investigations using soil-dwelling organisms are a priority.
Tag: nanomaterials
FDA Issues Guidance for Safety of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Products (as well as in Food)
For the last seven or so years, the U.S. federal government and some state governments have been collecting cradle-to-grave information regarding nanomaterials. The data collection call-ins were intended to create a collaborative, scientific dialogue with the goal of examining relevant information, and identifying information gaps and ways to address those gaps.
Last week, the FDA issued guidance documents for both cosmetic and food manufacturers. The guides are one more step intended to assist industry and other stakeholders in identifying the potential safety issues of nanomaterials in consumer products and in developing a framework for evaluating them. It also provides contact information for those who wish to discuss safety considerations regarding the use of specific nanomaterials in cosmetic products with the FDA.
If your company is considering the use of nanomaterials in its products, it is important to recognize that although nanotech cosmetics are still subject to the same legal requirements as other cosmetics, in that they do not require premarket approval, the products must be safe under customary usage conditions and properly labeled. Additionally, although the FDA has explained that the current safety framework used for conventional cosmetics is still appropriate for cosmetics using nanotech, companies should keep in mind the unique properties of nanomaterials when testing safety. Ultimately, as this guidance reminds, companies are legally liable for ensuring the safety of their products. As to food products, the FDA encourages manufacturers to contact the agency early in the development process to assist in assessing the safety and potential issues with using nanotechnology.
Read the complete press announcement from the FDA here.
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